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To reduce confusion, Google, in an official blog, announced it is combining Google Drive File Stream and Google Backup and Sync desktop apps with ‘Google Drive for Desktop’.
The Google Drive for Desktop app will be a unified desktop backup client that will not only cater to the needs of a business user but also if you are a normal consumer.
Now, this is a very thought out plan. Several users have kept complaining about how unreliable the old Google Drive Backup & Sync option is. The synchronization is also not up to the mark, and it sometimes fails to synchronize hundreds of files.
On the other hand, Google Drive File System works more efficiently and effectively. Moreover, there aren’t any issues faced by users like on Backup and Sync.
Notably, as per the official blog, the first move in this unifying process will be to rename the Google Drive File Stream app to Google Drive for desktop.
This new app will be available for every user with app version 45. Slowly, Google will port consumer features from Backup and Sync to this newly created Google Drive desktop app.
After all the features are ported, the Backup and Sync app will be killed. This will allow for a smooth transition of people from Google Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync to Google Drive.
Google Workspace customers using Backup and Sync can now try out the new experience in beta
Three months of notice will be provided to users of Backup and Sync to transition over to Drive for Desktop. Once the notice period is over, Google will forcibly begin transitioning users to Drive for Desktop.
According to the blog, this unification will help admins and IT teams manage deployments. Additionally, it will reduce user confusion around which app to use, and also result in better performance for end-users.
Users currently using Backup and Sync can try out the new unified Drive for Desktop feature by applying for a beta. Which includes Backup and Sync features. Interested parties can head over here and apply to experience the change.
Besides, the name change from Drive File Stream to Drive for Desktop will be done by default. Meaning that no admin or user action is required for the same.
This beta is only available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Standard.
Along with Enterprise Plus, G Suite Basic, Business, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits customers with the Backup and Sync client deployed. There are currently no changes if you use your personal Google account.