Google has ended support for automatic Google Photos backups through the Google Drive for desktop application from August 10, 2026. The change affects users who have been using the desktop Drive application to automatically upload photos and videos from selected computer folders to Google Photos.
What Is Changing?
Until now, users could configure folders on their computers through Google Drive for desktop and have photos and videos from those folders automatically backed up to Google Photos.
Starting today, this functionality is no longer supported through Drive for desktop.
Google had already started preparing users for the transition in June by stopping the creation of new Google Photos backup folders through the Drive interface. Existing configurations were allowed to continue temporarily before the August 10 deadline.
Google Drive Is Not Shutting Down
The change does not mean that Google Drive is being discontinued.
Google Drive will continue to operate normally for storing, syncing and accessing files.
The change applies specifically to the Google Photos backup feature inside Drive for desktop.
Existing Photos Will Remain Safe
Users do not need to worry about photos and videos that have already been uploaded to Google Photos.
Existing backups will remain available in Google Photos and will not be deleted because of this change.
The main impact is on new photos and videos that users previously expected Drive for desktop to automatically upload to Google Photos.
Who Is Affected?
The change mainly affects people who use a Windows or Mac computer and have configured folders for Google Photos backup through Drive for desktop.
For example, someone who keeps photographs in a folder such as:
- Camera Photos
- Family Photos
- Screenshots
- Scanned Documents
- Work Images
and had that folder connected to Google Photos through Drive for desktop will need to switch to the new backup process.
Smartphone Users Are Not Affected
People who automatically back up photos from their smartphones through the Google Photos mobile app do not need to change their existing setup.
The August 10 change specifically concerns Google Photos backup through the desktop Drive application.
What Users Should Do Now
Users who rely on computer-based photo backups should move their backup folders to the Google Photos interface.
Google’s updated Drive guidance says users will need to reselect their preferred folders in the new Google Photos backup setup.
This is particularly important for users who regularly transfer photographs from cameras, external storage or other computer folders.
Why Google Is Making the Change
Google has been separating the functions of Drive and Google Photos more clearly.
Drive for desktop is primarily designed for file synchronisation and storage, while Google Photos is Google’s dedicated platform for managing and backing up photos and videos.
Ending the old integration allows Google to move photo-backup management directly into Google Photos.
What Happens to New Photos?
If a user continues relying on the old Drive for desktop configuration, new photos and videos will no longer be automatically backed up to Google Photos through that feature.
This could create a gap in a user’s cloud backup if they do not move their folders to the new Google Photos backup process.
Important Difference Between Drive and Google Photos
Users should understand that Google Drive and Google Photos remain separate services.
The change does not remove files from Google Drive and does not delete existing Google Photos content.
It simply removes the ability to use Drive for desktop as the automatic bridge for uploading selected computer folders directly into Google Photos.
Google’s Transition Timeline
Google began warning users about the change earlier this year.
From June 15, 2026, notifications began appearing inside the Drive for desktop application, while the option to configure new Google Photos backup folders through Drive was removed.
Existing folders continued syncing temporarily.
From August 10, 2026, Google Drive for desktop officially stopped supporting Google Photos backups.
What This Means for Users
For most smartphone users, there is little to worry about.
However, people who depend on computers for photo storage should check their backup settings immediately.
The most important point is simple: your existing Google Photos backups remain safe, but new computer photos need a different backup setup.
Users who regularly store important personal, professional or family photographs on their computers should make the transition as soon as possible to avoid accidentally leaving new files without a cloud backup.
Source: Google Drive for desktop guidance and latest technology reports published August 10, 2026.
Original Report: Google ends Google Photos backup support through Drive for desktop on August 10, 2026, while existing Google Photos backups remain unaffected.
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