You risk losing all your files, photos and data, in case your computer is lost, stolen or it starts malfunctioning. An easy way to be prepared for such an eventuality is to Backup computer to Google Drive using Google’s Backup and Sync Tool.

1. Google Drive Windows Desktop App
2. Google Drive Windows 8
3. Google Drive Windows

Google Drive Review. Thanks to Google Drive, you can access a virtual disk drive directly from Windows, with the ability to synchronize files to the cloud when and where you want. Once you've installed the application to your computer, its icon will appear in the left side bar of any Windows folder, just below 'Desktop' and 'Recent Places'. Windows XP Professional.iso. Google Drive for Windows is a program which will allow you to access your Google Drive from the Windows Explorer just like a local folder. Previously, Google Drive was separate from Google Docs, Google Plus, Gmail, etc. But now offers all of your files in a central place.

1. Thank you for taking the time to answer. It doesn't answer the question because that's the best I've been able to get it to do also. When I looked on the web it seems like you used to be able to map the drive directly to Windows explorer, guess they have eliminated that feature or the YouTube videos that show it don't really give a good explanation of how it's working.
2. Google Drive itself has only a few settings to keep track of, but they can make your experience a little easier. To manage the main Google Drive settings, log in to Google Drive, click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear) at the top right corner, and choose Settings. You’ll see the Settings dialog.

How to Backup Computer to Google Drive

Google’s Backup and Sync tool is designed to automatically pull data from your PC or Mac and save it to your Google Drive Account.

The procedure to setup Google’s Backup and Restore service on Windows PC or Mac is really simple and it offers the following advantages.

1. Automatically Backs up Documents, Pictures and entire Desktop to Google Drive. No need to manually transfer files to Google Drive.

2. Data is stored in the same order as it is stored on your computer. Any changes that you make to your Files on computer are immediately synced to Google Drive.

3. Data can be accessed from anywhere and on any device. For example, you will be able to access any file on your computer using an Android Phone or iPhone, if you are travelling and not carrying your computer with you.

4. You can Backup multiple Computers to Google Drive. Data for each computer is stored separately in your Google Drive Account.

Backup and Sync Replaces Google Drive

In case you are already using Google Drive, Backup and Sync will remove Google Drive App from your computer.

However, there is no need to worry about your data being deleted. Backup and Sync will not remove any of your Files and Folders in Google Drive Folder.

Now that you have an idea about the advantages of Google’s Backup and Sync utility, let us go ahead and take a look at how to backup computer to Google Drive using Backup and Sync.

Backup Computer to Google Drive Using Backup and Sync

The first step is to download Backup and Sync tool from Google Drive, as available for both Mac and Windows PC.

Once “Backup and Sync” is downloaded to your computer, launch the tool by clicking on it and it will start the process of setting up your computer for backup to Google Drive.

If you had previously installed Google Drive app on your computer, you will be automatically logged into Backup and Sync. If not, Click on Get Started button.

On the next screen, Login to your Gmail Account by entering your Gmail User Name and Password. Once you are logged in, you will see an information screen, click on Got it to move to the next step.

On the next screen, you will see Desktop, Documents and Pictures automatically selected for backup to Google Drive. You can leave these items checked or uncheck any item that you do not want to Sync to Google Drive.

In case you want to add more Folders, click on Choose Folder Link and select the Folder that you want to Backup & Sync to Google Drive.

Photo & Video Upload Size: In this section, you can choose to upload either High Quality or Original Quality Photos to Google Drive.

If you choose High Quality, Google will convert uploaded Photos to 16 MP size and in-turn provide you with unlimited Free storage for these photos on Google Drive.

If you choose Original Quality, Photos will be uploaded to Google Drive in the same format as shot by your Camera, but the uploads will count towards your allowed Google Drive storage limit.

Google Photos: Checking this option uploads Photos and Videos on your computer to Google Photos, which allows you to share these Photos with others.

Once you are done making above selections, click on the Next button to move to the next screen.

On the next screen, you can uncheck Sync My Drive to this computer option, if you do not want your Google Drive Files to be available on your computer (Note: these files are Drive Files and not files from your computer).

In case you choose “Sync My Drive to this computer” option, Backup & Sync utility will Sync back Google Drive Files to your computer.

The advantage of having Google Drive Files syncing back to your computer is that you will be able to view and edit Google Drive Files while you are offline. The changes made will Sync back to Google Drive, once you get online.

After making your selection about Google Drive Files, click on the Start button to begin the process of Backing up selected Folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) to Google Drive.

The time to Backup will depend on the Amount of Data available on your computer and the upload speed of your internet connection.

Once the process of backup to Google Drive is completed, you can access Google Drive at any time by clicking on the Cloud Icon located in the taskbar and then clicking on Google Drive icon.

Your computers data will be available on Google Drive under Computers section. In case you have more than one computer, you can provide a unique name to each of your computers.

Can Backup and Sync Restore Windows PC ?

Once your computer is setup to Backup and Sync its data to Google Drive, a copy of your computers data will always be available on Google Drive.

However, you need to be aware that “Backup and Sync” only saves your Files and Photos to Google Drive, it does not backup the Operating System, Apps and Program Files on your computer to Google Drive.

Hence, you won’t be able to Restore your Windows computer using Backup and Sync. In order to Restore computer, you still need to make use of a System Restore Point or use a System Image.

Google Drive is the organizational tool par excellence and, some would argue, the glue that keeps many people’s online life together. Google Drive is Google’s file storage, sharing, and synchronization tool, and like Google’s other core Suite services, it’s totally free at the most basic level. Integration with Google Docs means that if you were so inclined, you could manage your entire online life in the cloud. If that sounds good and you’re looking for a way to get all your online information organized, accessible, and shareable, you could do a lot worse.

Cloud based storage

Google Drive is perfect for storing files and accessing them on the go.

Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage service that allows you to access your files, photos, music, and more across multiple locations and with multiple users. If you’ve ever regretted that a document was on the computer at home while you were at work, or battled with a pen drive that just won’t work, Google Drive may well be the answer to your prayers.

Beyond simply storing your files, Drive also allows you to share them and collaborate with other users in real-time. The only drawback here is that security on this sharing is not as tight or advanced as you might be used to if you’ve used other file sharing tools in the past.

Google Drive also offers automatic backup and syncing for Mac and Windows users. That means you can create a file on your desktop that will be automatically synced to the cloud, perfect if you work on your computer but want to make sure that others can contribute or see it too.

A fast, clean piece of software, the only thing that will slow Drive down is whatever it is you’re storing on it. Keep your files organized and free of duplicates to get the most out of the tool. Access and privacy benefit from all the usual features you’d expect from a Google tool, including 2-step authentication and on-the-ball alerts for any possible security concerns. In the free tier, you’ll probably have to at least try to troubleshoot any problems yourself, as getting in touch with a customer support representative is a roundabout process that can take a while. If you’re tackling a problem, take advantage of the massive amount of help and training Google provides online.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention Google Drive’s ability to integrate with Google Docs. If you already use this office suite, it makes using Drive to store all your documents a no-brainer and works so perfectly, you wouldn’t even consider moving.

Where can you run this program?

Google Drive is available online, with backup and sync available for Windows (7 and above) and macOS. You can also download the Drive app on iPhone, iPad, and Android. The free version offers 15GB of storage spread over your Google Account. After that, you can upgrade to various tiers of paid storage. If you use a Google for Business account, you’ll start with a greater amount of free storage.

Is there a better alternative?

Unless you’re a OneDrive or iCloud user, many will consider the true alternative to Google Drive to be Dropbox.

In the Drive vs. Dropbox debate, Google takes an early lead because it offers way more free storage than Dropbox - 15GB vs. 2GB - but remember that 15GB is spread across your whole Google account. Even so, it’s better than 2GB, and that may sway users with smaller amounts of data to store.

Google Drive Windows Desktop App

Google Drive also triumphs in terms of security and ease of browsing, but Dropbox has faster upload and sync. Google Photos offers a great add-on to Drive for managing a usual quantity of photos, but if you’re dealing with truly huge amounts of data, Dropbox’s faster upload may save your patience and your sanity.

Our take

Google Drive is a solid, easy-to-use, and accessible file storage, sharing, and organizational app. If you’re looking for a really easy way to store documents, photos, and more and share them with the people who matter in your life, we think it’s a great option.

If the majority of your uploads are going to be photos and videos, definitely consider using it in conjunction with Google Photos, but if you’re focused on documents and PDFs, then it’s perfect as is. The standard amount of storage for free users is more than enough for an average person’s non-business use and provided you keep your Drive free of duplicates and general mess, you’re unlikely to hit up against the limit.

Google Drive’s search capabilities are another reason we’re such big fans. Imagine what you’re likely to be storing in your Drive - letters, instructions, lists, song lyrics, schedules, plans, and more. Sure, you’ll have an easier time if you categorize them sensibly, but that super-powered Google search makes finding things a breeze. Seeing as how you’ll be using Drive to store documents and then access them on the go, this makes perfect sense - and will make your life so much easier!

Google Drive Windows 8

Should you download it?

Yes. If you’re a personal user who will use the free version, we think Google Drive is one of the most accessible and user-friendly cloud storage and sharing platforms around. If you think you’re going to be storing or uploading a huge number of large files, you might need to look to Dropbox for something faster, but for most users, Google’s offering more than ticks all the boxes.

Google Drive Windows

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