Google has issued an important notice to users of its desktop applications: effective August 10, 2026, the Google Drive for Desktop app on Windows and Mac will officially stop supporting automatic photo and video backups directly to Google Photos.

While both Google Drive and Google Photos will continue to operate normally as independent cloud services, the seamless, background cross-app sync feature is being retired. Here is a detailed breakdown of what is changing, what remains unaffected, and how to transition your photo backup setup smoothly before the deadline.

What Is Changing (and What Stays Safe)?

To avoid confusion, it is essential to understand the exact scope of this change:

• Existing Photos Remain Intact: All photos and videos previously uploaded or synced to Google Photos or Google Drive remain completely safe. No files will be deleted or altered.
• Drive Desktop App Sync Ending: The automatic background feature inside Google Drive for Desktop that allowed users to select computer folders and sync media directly to Google Photos will no longer process new uploads after August 10, 2026.
• Mobile Backups Unaffected: Automatic photo and video backups using the official Google Photos app on Android and iOS devices continue to operate without any disruption.

How to Prepare and Transition Your Photo Backup Setup

If you rely on your desktop computer to automatically back up media folders to Google Photos, follow these recommended transition steps before August 10:

1. Adjust Google Drive Desktop Preferences

Open Google Drive for Desktop on your PC or Mac, navigate to Preferences, select your computer folders, and uncheck “Back up to Google Photos”. This prevents conflicting backup settings once the feature is retired.

2. Enable Folder Backup via Google Photos Web

Since Google does not offer a standalone Google Photos desktop client, desktop backups must now be configured through the web interface:

1. Navigate to Google Photos on the web.
2. Click the + (Create / Upload) icon in the top-right corner and select Back up folders.
3. Choose the local folders on your computer that contain the photos and videos you want to back up.
4. Grant browser permissions when prompted.

Note: Unlike the background Drive desktop daemon, web-based folder backups only process while a Google Photos browser tab or Progressive Web App (PWA) remains open in your browser.

3. Leverage Mobile Apps for Direct Phone Sync

For photos taken on smartphones or tablets, ensure the official Google Photos mobile app is installed, signed in, and configured with your preferred backup quality settings (Original Quality or Storage Saver) for instant, automated background sync.

Source: Google Photos Support Notice