While Backup and Sync did use native apps to open files, the new Google Drive brings something new: it seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office, providing support for real-time presence. Moreover, you can configure it to sync individual files, not just selected folders. Unlike the old Backup and Sync, which could only sync files in the “My Drive” folder on the local machine, the new Google Drive also works with files in shared drives. Whether you have a Google One subscription or rely on the free plan, it does not matter, as the steps to take to use the application are the same.Īs soon as the desktop client is installed, Google Drive create a new drive on your computer, where you can store files that you want synchronized. Needless to say, Google Drive requires you to log in to your Google account to access your cloud storage.

Sync files from local folders and shared drives Google took this step to improve the overall user experience and, if you have a look at the feature set of the new Drive for desktop, you will already get the feeling that it succeeded to do so.

What Google Drive brings to the table is a bundle of the best feature in the two aforementioned apps, now deprecated. Going back to the old name, which Google replaced with “Backup and Sync” back in 2018 has logic, since the Google Workspace is now available to everyone. Google Drive, or Drive for desktop, as it is advertised by its maker, is the result between the merger of Drive File Stream (Google’s tools for business users) and the former Backup and Sync. The dilemma remains what backup and synchronization software solution to use from the various options out there, some more popular than others. When it comes to data backups, a single fact is certain: you should definitely act upon it. Google Backup and Sync stops working on October 1st 2021. Note: Users of Backup and Sync will start to receive in-product notifications to migrate to Google Drive (Drive for desktop).

Instll google drive for windows