To sync a folder from your Windows PC or Mac with Google Drive, open the Drive for desktop menu and go to Settings > Preferences > Folders from your computer. Select the folder, choose Sync with Google Drive, and save. Changes then sync both ways, and the folder appears under Computers in Drive. “Google Backup” is not the current name of this folder-sync feature; Google Photos backup is a separate process.
Set up two-way sync for a computer folder
Use Google Drive for desktop for ordinary files you want to keep in sync between a computer and Google Drive. The exact menu placement can vary by operating system and app version, but the preference labels are Settings, Preferences, and Folders from your computer. If the app window is not open, open the Drive for desktop menu.
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- Install or open Google Drive for desktop and sign in to the Google Account you want to use.
- Open the Drive for desktop menu and select Settings > Preferences.
- Choose Folders from your computer, then select the folder you want to sync.
- Turn on Sync with Google Drive and save the setting.
- Wait for the initial sync to finish. Check Drive for desktop’s sync status if files have not appeared in Drive yet.
After setup, changes in the selected computer folder sync to Drive, and changes made in Drive sync back to the computer. In Drive, look under Computers for the synced folder. Google’s setup guidance is in Use Google Drive for desktop.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose how My Drive is stored on your computer
Drive for desktop offers streaming and mirroring for My Drive. This is a separate choice from selecting a computer folder: folders from the computer can only be mirrored, while Shared drives can only be streamed.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Mode | Local disk use | Offline access | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stream My Drive | Uses less local space because files are mainly stored in the cloud. | Files are available offline when you select them for offline access. Reliable internet is generally needed for other files. | People who want to conserve computer storage and usually have internet access. |
| Mirror My Drive | Stores a full local copy as well as the cloud copy, so it uses computer disk space. | Files are available offline by default. | People who need a local copy, dependable offline access, or work with video editing, high-resolution photo editing, or apps that make frequent file writes. Google says mirroring may be faster or more suitable for these workloads. |
With streaming, files can generally be accessed through Finder or File Explorer while Drive for desktop is running. Google explains the mode differences in Stream & mirror files with Drive for desktop.
Switch modes without losing unsynced changes
Before changing from streaming to mirroring, or removing a mirrored folder, make sure recent changes have finished syncing. Google warns that removing the old mirrored folder before uploads complete can lose files that have not reached the cloud.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- When switching from mirroring, wait for uploads to finish before removing the old local folder. On Windows, quit Drive for desktop before removing the previously mirrored folder.
- When switching from streaming to mirroring, Drive downloads My Drive files to the selected location. If a local file conflicts with a cloud version, Google says it keeps both.
These precautions apply to mode changes for My Drive; do not treat a computer-folder sync setting as the same control. Google’s advanced Drive for desktop guide covers management and switching details.
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Drive folder sync and Google Photos backup are different
Sync with Google Drive is for ordinary files and works both ways. Google Photos folder backup uploads photos and videos only; deleting an item in one place does not delete it in the other.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
As of August 10, 2026, Drive for desktop no longer supports Google Photos backup. To back up computer folders to Photos, use Google Photos’ computer backup instructions: on photos.google.com, choose Create and add photos > Back up folders, select folders, and grant access. Keep the Google Photos tab open or the Photos Web App running for automatic background backup. This web-folder workflow does not support the Apple Photos library.
Google says that if the same folder is configured for both Drive sync and Photos backup, photos and videos upload twice and use more Google storage. Choose the destination you intend to use rather than enabling both by default. Items already backed up in Photos remain there after Drive for desktop’s support ends; stopping a folder backup prevents future uploads but does not remove existing Photos items.
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Understand local disk space and Google Account storage
Streaming generally reduces local disk use; mirroring needs enough computer storage for a full local copy. These are separate from Google Account capacity: files you own count against your Google storage, which is shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. Check the two constraints independently—free space on the computer and available space in the Google Account—before choosing what to sync. Google’s explanation is in Understand your computer and Google storage when using Drive for desktop.
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Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
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