The Google Drive Desktop App Now Supports Backup and Sync. Here’s What You Need to Know [updated]
FIX (9/8/17, 10:15 AM): An earlier version of this post incorrectly said that Google is getting rid of Google Drive entirely, rather than updating the app with the backup and sync feature. The post has been updated accordingly.
Google announced this week that it is replacing its Google Drive apps for Mac and PC with a more powerful version of Backup & Sync. You can still use your cloud storage from Google Drive in the same way, but the updated Mac and PC apps let you sync individual folders anywhere on your desktop, as well as manage your photo uploads to the cloud. Support for current versions of Google Drive apps will end on December 11, and the apps will be completely closed on March 12, 2018.
Google isn’t trying to leave Drive users alone, it really hopes you just switch to one of the other two cloud storage options: Backup & Sync, or Drive’s corporate file stream (although G Suite clients can also use Backup & Sync).
Google made this handy diagram to explain the difference between the two new options:
If you are an average consumer, you will most likely want to switch to Startup and Sync. If you’re a corporate user, you’re probably better off using the Google Drive Client.
Backup and sync
Backup and sync is essentially the Google Drive and Google Photos downloader apps split together. If you’ve downloaded the latest version of Google Drive, chances are you’re already using it. It works in much the same way as Drive and offers the same features as yours. Plus, it has built-in support for uploading photos to the cloud.
Basically, with backup and sync, you select files and folders to back up, while still being able to sync a single folder on your computer.
When installed on a Mac or PC, Backup & Sync is available on your computer as the familiar Google Drive folder. If you just love saving files to Google Drive, then this is probably the best option for you.
You can download it and start using the service right now . Each is given 15 GB of free space.
Google Drive client
The Google Drive client is intended for corporate users. The service saves space on your computer’s hard drive by placing all your files in the cloud. It also offers access to group drives and sync of individual files.
This means you don’t need to download files to your computer to access them. For example, instead of downloading a Word file to your computer, editing it and then uploading it to the cloud again, with Drive File Stream you can simply open the file from the cloud and edit it. This can save you time and ensure that you are always working with the “current” version of the document, which is especially important when multiple team members are working on the same file.
When installed on a Mac or PC, the Google Drive Client will appear as a drive on your computer. Thus, you will be able to interact with it in the same way as if it was an external hard drive connected to your computer. If you are currently treating Google Drive as your second hard drive, then you should upgrade to this option.
The Google Drive client is not yet available, but should be deployed at the end of the month. If you think this is the right option for you, you can register to become an early adopter .