How to back up photos and videos using Google Photos

When you think of Google Photos, the first thing that probably springs to mind is the mobile applications designed for Android and iOS devices. However, it’s essential to recognize that Google Photos extends its services beyond just mobile applications; the platform is also available as a web application. This web app is a remarkable feature that now includes an incredibly useful functionality: the ability to back up photos and videos directly from your Windows and macOS computers.

While it’s common for most people to capture the majority of their images and videos on their smartphones, the desktop functionality of Google Photos simplifies the process of transferring visuals from various other sources, including digital cameras and old hard drives, directly into the cloud. This enhanced capability grants users the flexibility to ensure their treasured memories are securely stored online.

But this isn’t the only method at your disposal for syncing photos and videos from your Windows or macOS systems to Google Photos. Over the years, Google has been proactive in providing users with a desktop client for Google Drive, which helps keep your cloud files synchronized with specific folders on your computer. Fortunately, this desktop client also supports Google Photos, making it an excellent option for those who want a straightforward way to manage their visual content.

Let’s delve into the various methods available for backing up your photos directly from your computer or laptop. Here are the comprehensive steps to maximize your Google Photos experience.

Backing up photos and videos via the Google Photos web app

To start with, let’s explore the newer option of backing up entire folders from your Windows or macOS computer using the Google Photos web app. This functionality serves as an extension to the previously available one-off upload tool that allowed users to pick specific files from their Windows and macOS systems to upload to the cloud. This latest improvement is a game changer, enabling users to point Google Photos directly to specified folders on their computers, automating the backup process.

The beauty of this feature is that it not only backs up selected folders but also ensures that any new files added to these folders are automatically uploaded to the cloud. This means you won’t need to worry about manually uploading new content; Google Photos takes care of it seamlessly, as long as you have the web app open. However, it’s essential to note that this system does not operate as a true two-way synchronization solution. Specifically, if you delete files from the chosen folders, those files will not be removed from your Google Photos account.

Google Photos will automatically check the folders you select for any new files and will back them up whenever the web app is active in your browser. Therefore, it’s a good habit to periodically open Google Photos in your desktop browser to allow for the transfer of any new files. Should you require a more continuous solution for your syncing needs, take a look at the secondary method outlined below.

Setting up this feature is straightforward. Start by navigating to the Google Photos website and clicking on the “Upload” button located at the top right corner of the interface. Next, select “Back up folders” from the dropdown menu. Once there, you can choose the folder you wish to add to the backup. After selecting your desired folder, click on the button labeled “View files” to provide the web app with the necessary permissions to access the content within that folder. With these steps complete, your backup process will begin, and you can monitor your file transfer progress through a small dialog box that appears on your screen.

It’s important to note that the folders you back up will not show up in a separate section within your library. Instead, the photos and videos will simply blend in with your existing collection. If organizing your images into specific albums is important to you, you will need to manually add them afterward. To manage backups, add or remove folders, or monitor your backup progress, simply click on “Upload” and then select “Folder backup.”

Backing up via the Google Drive desktop app

If you’re seeking another effective option for backing up your files to Google Photos, then utilizing the Google Drive for Desktop app would be a worthwhile consideration. This application provides an alternative pathway to back up your photos and videos from both Windows and macOS operating systems directly to Google Photos, in addition to Google Drive. You can run this desktop app in the background, where it will seamlessly upload files from designated folders automatically, negating the need for manual intervention.

To get started with this app, navigate to the official Google Drive website, and download the version suitable for your operating system. Once installed, locate the app icon, which can be found in the notification area on Windows or the menu bar on macOS. Click on the icon, then tap on the gear icon to access the “Preferences” menu. On the left side, you will see the name of your computer—click on it to open the selection menu where you can choose the folders you wish to back up.

When adding folders for backup, you will encounter two main options. The first option is known as “Sync with Google Drive.” This feature allows all the files within the selected folder—be it photos, videos, or other types of files—to be uploaded to your Google Drive cloud storage. A significant advantage of this option is that it enables true two-way synchronization. This means that if you delete a file from your computer, it will also be removed from your Google Drive, and vice versa. Such functionality is particularly beneficial for individuals who need to ensure their important documents and media files are consistently backed up online.

The second option available is labeled “Back up to Google Photos.” This feature solely focuses on backing up photos and videos, rather than any other file types found in the designated folder. Additionally, this sync process is not two-way, implying that any deletions you make to photos and videos on your computer will not affect their presence on Google Photos. You may find that selecting both options suits your needs best, although it’s worth noting that doing so will consume more space from your Google cloud storage. Alternatively, you can opt to set different preferences for various folders.

To ensure everything is running smoothly, you can always check which folders are currently being backed up through the desktop client. By clicking on the gear icon located at the top right corner, you gain access to several settings. Here, you can decide whether to upload images and videos in their original, full quality or at a reduced quality, thus conserving storage space. If you’re on macOS, there’s an additional checkbox available that allows you to initiate backups of the primary Apple Photos system library too.

By leveraging these tools, you can ensure that all your visual memories are safeguarded in the cloud without the hassle of manual backups. Whether you opt for the flexibility of the Google Photos web app or the automated convenience of the Google Drive desktop application, your photos and videos can be comfortably backed up and easily accessible whenever needed.

Being able to access Google Photos from both your mobile devices and your desktop empowers users with a significant degree of flexibility in managing their digital photo libraries. With the right setup, you can ensure that your precious memories are both stored and organized efficiently; don’t wait any longer to begin your backup journey today!

In conclusion, employing Google Photos to back up your pictures and videos enhances your digital experience by providing a straightforward solution for photo management across devices. Utilizing either the Google Photos web app or the Google Drive desktop app offers distinct advantages, and understanding these methods empowers you to choose the best fit for your needs.

David Nield is a technology journalist from Manchester in the U.K., who has been writing about gadgets and apps for more than 20 years.

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