Google Drive Backups

Everyone is familiar with Google Drive, where your Docs and Slides are stored in the Chrome web browser. Fewer people know that the Google Drive software is on their computer. This software makes your computer see Google Drive as a network drive similar to Dropbox. You can automatically have Google Drive backup folders on your computer, so you never have to worry about data loss.

DO I NEED TO DO THIS?

If you save files to your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folder, then yes. Files in these folders only exist on your computer; if something happens to your computer, like a hardware failure or malware infection, that data could be lost. The IT Department will be wiping everything off your computers as part of the upgrade to Windows 11. You must back up your files on your computer.

HOW DO I DO THIS?

1: RESTART (not shut down) your computer. To do this, click on the power icon under the start menu.

2: Open the Google Drive preferences. Click on the Google Drive icon in the System Tray on the right side of the taskbar.

3: Select 'Preferences' under the gear icon in the Google Drive pop-up window.

4: Dismiss the tour window if it shows up.

5: Click the blue 'Add folder' button. Select a folder you wish to back up to Google Drive. After selecting a folder, you need to choose to sync with Google Drive or back up to Google Photos. Always select Google Drive unless you are backing up pictures and you want them to be made available in Google Photos. 

NOTE: People usually have valuable items in their Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. You don't need to back up all three, just the folders containing files you want to protect. For example, you might only have files on the Desktop and nothing in Documents and Pictures.

6: Repeat step 5 for each folder you want to back up to Google.

7: Don't forget to click the save button before closing out of the Google Drive Preferences window.

WHERE DO I FIND MY FILES?

Your backups are stored in Google Drive. You can view your backed-up files online. Go to Google Drive in Chrome and notice a new item called 'Computers' in the left menu below 'Shared Drive.'