Users Backup and Sync for Google Drive must switch before October 1
Starting next month, Google Drive will show a notification to users who synchronize their files via Backup and Sync. This is possible until October 1, after which users can no longer log in and only sync files via the new Drive app.
Currently, there are two clients that can sync Google Drive files on desktop. The Drive app is primarily used by consumers, and Backup and Sync is geared more towards business customers. Google already announced in February that it wanted to merge the two different Google Drive clients.
In a blog, Google writes that users of Backup and Sync can transfer their files to the new system from July 19 via Backup and Sync. Beginning August 18, users who are currently still using Backup and Sync will receive an in-app message asking them to switch to the Google Drive app.
On October 1, users will no longer be able to login via Backup and Sync and files will no longer be synced. To be able to sync files with Google’s cloud service again, the new Drive app must first be installed.
The Drive app for desktop is more focused on the cloud functionalities of Google Drive. Backup and Sync is mainly for uploading local files to Google Drive. The Drive app does allow folders to be stored locally, so they’re also available offline.