Google’s official support page confirmed that the feature would end on August 10, after the company began notifying users on June 15 that they would need to switch to the new method.
The change primarily affects Windows and Mac users who relied on Drive for desktop to automatically upload photos and videos stored in computer folders to Google Photos. From now on, these folders will no longer be backed up to Google Photos through the previous method.
However, Google clarified that the decision does not mean previously uploaded photos and videos will be deleted. Content already stored in Google Photos will remain in the user’s library. The change also does not mean Google Drive itself is being discontinued or that normal file synchronization with Drive will stop.
If you relied on this feature, you can now back up computer folders directly through Google Photos.
Google explains that users can access Google Photos from their computer, select Create and add Photos, then choose Back up folders and select the folders containing the photos and videos they want to automatically back up.
To keep automatic backups working this way, users must keep the Google Photos tab open in their browser or run the Photos Web App in the background. If the tab is closed, automatic backup will stop until it is opened again.
Google also warns that storage is shared across Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail, so users should check their available storage, particularly those with large photo and video libraries.
If you upload photos from your phone directly through the Google Photos app, this change does not affect you. However, if your computer uses Drive for desktop to upload photo folders to Google Photos, you should switch to the new backup method to ensure that new photos and videos continue to be uploaded.