How to backup Google photos on desktop?

Google Drive ended cloud backups of photos from computers in August 2026. PC users are now seeking alternative methods to safely store their pictures online. The change impacted those who relied on Google Drive to automatically back up folders of photos from Windows PCs or Macs. Several alternatives are available, including Google's newer Google Photos folder-backup option, as well as other cloud-storage services like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Amazon Photos.

Google Photos remains an easy option for those already invested in Google's ecosystem. The service now allows users to back up photos and videos directly from selected folders on their computer to Google Photos. This option keeps pictures accessible through Google Photos, offers tools for organization and management, and utilizes the 15GB of storage provided with each Google Account. However, this storage is shared across Google services.

Alternatively, Microsoft OneDrive works closely with Windows PCs. It allows files, including photos, to be stored together and accessed across devices. OneDrive's automatic syncing can reduce the need to manually upload pictures, making it useful for users with mixed collections of photos and documents.

Dropbox is another established cloud-storage option. It uses a simple folder-based cloud storage system, making it easy to organize photos and other files. Dropbox works across computers and mobile devices, and its automatic syncing feature helps keep folders updated.

For those already using Amazon's ecosystem, Amazon Photos can also be considered. Designed specifically for photo storage, it may provide a more direct alternative to Google Photos than general-purpose cloud-storage services. Amazon Photos is particularly useful for people already paying for eligible Amazon services, as it allows photos to be accessed across supported devices.