Google Drive stopped sending my folders to Google Photos, so I built a photo backup server that doesn't need Google at all

Google Drive for desktop recently stopped uploading photos to Google Photos, prompting many users to seek alternative strategies. One such solution is Immich, a Google Photos replacement that stores and serves photos and videos locally. Building an Immich server is not overly complicated, but it requires a computer with at least 4GB of memory.

The writer of this story opted for an HP thin client equipped with an 8GB DDR3 memory stick and a 128GB M.2 SATA SSD, running DietPi for a more efficient operating system. The thin client proved capable of handling Immich without issue, despite its older and slower processor. The writer then deployed the Immich stack using Docker for convenient management and cleanup.

Once the server was up and running, the writer connected their Windows PC to it using the Immich web portal and uploaded images. While the process was straightforward, it required manual uploads each time new images were added. To automate the process, the writer utilized Immich's CLI tool and API keys, setting up a Task Scheduler task to run in the background and ensure new files were automatically uploaded to the server.

As an alternative to this method, the writer also explored a community-maintained desktop sync app, which required minimal configuration and provided a more seamless syncing experience. Overall, the writer found their home server setup to be a cost-effective and private alternative to paid cloud storage services, while also ensuring uninterrupted access to their photos even during power outages.