Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Google Drive Desktop Ends Google Photos Backup on August 10
Google has a service called Google Drive that people use to save their files and photos on the internet.
There is also another Google service called Google Photos, which is a special place just for pictures and videos.
Until now, people using Google Drive's computer app could choose folders on their computer, and any photos in those folders would be sent to Google Photos automatically.
Starting on August 10, 2026, Google is turning off that special feature.
After that date, the Google Drive app will no longer send new photos or videos to Google Photos.
Google told users about this change starting on June 15, 2026, to give people time to prepare.
The good news is that photos already saved in Google Photos will stay safe and will not disappear.
To keep new photos backing up, people need to open the Google Photos app on their computer and choose the folders they want to back up.
Then they need to make sure the backup switch is turned on.
Regular file syncing in Google Drive will keep working just like before.
Google will remove photo and video backup to Google Photos from the Drive for desktop app on August 10, 2026.
The change affects Windows and Mac users; regular file syncing through Google Drive desktop will keep working as usual.
Google began notifying users on June 15, 2026, and has already disabled setting up new backup folders in the desktop app.
Google confirmed that photos and videos already backed up to Google Photos will remain intact and accessible.
Users who want uninterrupted backups must reselect their folders inside the Google Photos app and keep the Backup toggle on.
- Who
- Google, and Windows and Mac users who back up photos and videos to Google Photos through the Google Drive for desktop app.
- What
- Google is removing the ability to back up photos and videos to Google Photos from Drive for desktop, requiring users to manage backups directly in Google Photos.
- When
- The feature ends on August 10, 2026; user notifications began on June 15, 2026.
- Where
- In the Google Drive for desktop app on Windows and Mac computers.
- Why
- Google is discontinuing the feature, so photo and video backups must now be handled through the Google Photos app instead.
- Feature ending
- Backup of photos and videos to Google Photos via Drive for desktop
- Effective date
- August 10, 2026
- Notifications started
- June 15, 2026
- Affected users
- Windows and Mac users of Google Drive for desktop
- Existing backups
- Safe - photos and videos already backed up remain intact
- New backup folders
- Setup already disabled in the desktop app
- Unaffected
- Regular file syncing through Google Drive desktop
- Required action
- Reselect folders in Google Photos app and switch on the Backup toggle