Google has launched a new Drive for desktop app, replacing its previous Backup and Sync app. The new sync client is available for Windows and macOS and offers several new features and improvements missing from the previous sync client.
The new Google Drive desktop app is meant for both consumers and businesses alike, and it even replaces the Google Drive File Stream for businesses app.
Drive for Desktop Replaces Backup and Sync and Drive File Stream
The Drive for desktop app is a sync client that will sync all your files and folders stored in Google Drive with your PC and vice versa. Since the new app replaces both Backup and Sync and Drive File Stream, it offers the best functionalities of both apps. This includes the ability to directly upload and sync photos and videos to Google Photos, sync your storage devices like hard drives or pen drives to the cloud, and more.
Other new features include integration with Microsoft Outlook and Google Meet scheduling, support for shared Google Drives, and more.
You’ll also have the option of streaming files directly from Google Drive to your computer to save local storage space. Alternatively, if you have adequate space and internet bandwidth, you can store files locally as well for faster access. All changes you make to any file stored on Drive will be automatically synced and saved to the cloud.
Google says in its announcement on the Google Workspaces Updates blog that the new sync client offers a “consistent experience” for anyone using Drive to backup their important files to the cloud.
The Drive for desktop app will allow you to use up to four Google accounts at once, so you can access files from four different Drive accounts at once without having to switch between them.
Existing Backup and Sync Users Will Have to Switch to the New App
Google will start showing an in-app prompt to existing Backup and Sync users about the new Drive for desktop app and urge them to transition to it starting July 19. This in-app notification will start showing up for business Backup and Sync users starting August 18, 2021.
The company recommends that you switch to the new app by September 2021, as the app will stop working from October 1, meaning it won’t sync your files to the cloud after that. Your files already stored on the cloud will remain untouched by this, though.