Google Drive Update 2026: If you use Google Drive for desktop to automatically back up photos and videos from your computer to Google Photos, an important change affects the way this process works. Google is ending the specific Google Photos backup functionality previously available through Drive for desktop.

The change does not mean Google Photos is shutting down, nor does it mean photos and videos already stored in Google Photos will automatically disappear. Instead, the change concerns the connection that allowed selected folders on Windows and Mac computers to continuously upload media to Google Photos.

What Changed After August 10, 2026?

According to the announced change, after August 10, 2026, Google Drive for desktop will no longer provide the same automatic photo and video backup functionality to Google Photos.

Previously, users could select folders stored on their computers and configure Drive for desktop to back up the photos and videos inside those folders to Google Photos.

For example, if a user selected a folder containing camera photos, newly added images and videos could automatically be uploaded to Google Photos. With this functionality being discontinued, affected users will need to review how they back up locally stored media.

Is Google Photos Being Discontinued?

No. This change should not be confused with the closure of Google Photos itself.

Google Photos continues to be available for storing, viewing and managing photos and videos. The change specifically affects the way computer folders were backed up to Photos through Google Drive for desktop.

Photos and videos that users have already successfully backed up to their Google Photos accounts are not being deleted simply because this particular backup option is ending.

Who Could Be Affected by the Change?

The update is particularly relevant for people who regularly transfer photos and videos from their computers to Google Photos through Drive for desktop.

This may include photographers and content creators with large media libraries, Windows and Mac users who configured computer folders for automatic Google Photos backup, and people who first copy photos from cameras or other devices to their computers before uploading them to the cloud.

Users who rely only on the Google Photos mobile app for smartphone photo backup may not be affected in the same way.

What Happens to Google Drive Files?

Google Drive and Google Photos are separate services, so users should distinguish between backing up files to Drive and backing up media to Photos.

Google Drive remains available for storing and synchronising documents, photos, videos and other files. The update concerns the specific workflow that sent photos and videos from selected computer folders to Google Photos through Drive for desktop.

Therefore, users who still want their computer files stored in Google Drive can continue using the relevant Drive syncing and backup options available to them.

What Should Users Do Now?

People who previously depended on automatic Google Photos uploads through Drive for desktop should review their current backup setup.

First, check whether important photos and videos stored on your Windows or Mac computer have already been uploaded successfully. You can open Google Photos and verify that recent media appears in your account before making changes to local copies.

Users should then switch to a currently supported upload or backup method provided by Google Photos. For smaller collections, photos and videos can also be uploaded directly through the Google Photos website.

Avoid deleting original files from your computer until you have confirmed that another copy is safely stored in your preferred backup location.

Existing Photos Should Remain Safe

One of the most important points is that discontinuing this Drive for desktop feature does not itself remove previously uploaded media from Google Photos.

However, files added to affected computer folders after the feature stops working may no longer automatically appear in Google Photos. Users who relied on that automation should therefore check their setup rather than assuming new photos are still being backed up.

For the latest instructions and supported backup options, users can refer to Google Photos Help and Google Drive Help.