On top of that, you can sync local folders such as your desktop and documents. In addition, you'll be able to mirror Drive files on your computer, with locally stored versions of files for faster access. There's the option to sync external storage devices with the cloud as well. You will be able to upload and sync your photos and videos across Google Photos as well as Drive. The new app combines the best parts of Backup and Sync and Drive File Stream, according to Google. Given that Google Workspace is now available to everyone, it doesn't make a lot of sense to have separate sync methods. The company is rolling out the new Drive for desktop app on Mac and Windows.ĭrive for desktop will replace the Backup and Sync app (which supplanted the Google Drive desktop app in 2018) as well as Drive File Stream, which is for business users. Google is streamlining how Drive users backup and sync their files.