Google Stops Automatic Photos Backup via Drive in 2026

Google has confirmed that its Drive desktop app will stop supporting automatic backup to Google Photos on August 10, 2026. This change means users who utilize Drive’s desktop client for syncing photos and videos from their computers will no longer have new media automatically backed up to Google Photos.

Google stated that this decision is part of an effort to simplify backup tools and focus on dedicated photo management through the Photos app. Users will need to manually add photos and videos from Google Drive to Google Photos after this date.

The current functionality allows users to designate a folder on their computer for automatic backup, which will cease to function after the cutoff. However, existing photos and videos already backed up will remain stored safely.

Google encourages users to set up backups directly through Google Photos, offering options for continuous folder backup and importing from Drive, although the new method requires the Google Photos site to be open in a browser.