How to Backup Files to Google Drive [2 Automatic Ways]

Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services developed by Google, which is similar to Dropbox and OneDrive. It provides file storage and synchronization functions to allow its users to save files to the Cloud and sync data among different devices to collaborate it.

Google Drive consists of Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which offers great convenience for the collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, etc. It also offers 5GB of free cloud storage space and more paid options. Many Google Drive users benefit a lot from these features and get accustomed to using them to deal with their daily work. 

Saving files to Google Drive has many benefits: 

• Collaborate among different devices: You can share and edit your files saved on Google Drive on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone when you sign in to the same Google account.
• Multiple file formats compatibility: It is compatible with file formats like Word, Excel, PPT, etc. So, you can upload all these files to Google Drive.
• Convenient and secure: Google Drive allows you to get access to files quickly and has high-level data protection. You don't need to worry about data security.

Knowing so much, you must be wondering how to save your files to Google Drive to make use of this practical tool. You can manually upload files to Google Drive via its Web App. You can go to its website and sign in to your Google account to upload files without downloading the app. However, manually uploading is troublesome if you have too many files to be uploaded.

🚩Further Reading: Google Drive Not Syncing on Windows 10

Keep reading. We'll walk through two automatic ways to back up your files to Google Drive with a step-by-step guide. 

📖You may be interested: How to Automatically Backup a Folder to A Network Drive

Way 1: Sync Files to Google Drive via Google Drive for Desktop

Google Drive offers the feature to automatically back up files and folders to Google Cloud, which is called Drive for Desktop (previously called Google Drive Backup and Sync). 

After setting, it will auto-sync files to Google Drive. Now, follow the steps to set an auto backup to Google Drive:

Step 1. Download and install Drive for desktop on your computer. (Official website: https://www.google.com/drive/download/)

Step 2. Sign in to your Google account, and click the setting gear icon on the top right corner to choose the "Preference" option. 

Step 3. Tap the "My Computer" option from the left panel, and click the "Add folder" button. 

Step 4. Select the files or folder you want to back up to Google Drive automatically, and click OK.

Step 5. Then it will pop up a Settings window. Check the "Sync with Google Drive" option, then click Done.

Now, the automatic sync is set up, and Google Drive will back up any data you put into that folder. 

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Way 2: Backup Files to Google Drive via EaseUS Todo Backup - Hot

Suppose you are concerned about the security of the Google Drive auto-sync feature. In that case, there is another solution you can make use of, which is the automatic backup software EaseUS Todo Backup. 

It is a reliable backup and restore software that owns the scheduled backup function to back up files hourly, daily, weekly, etc. You can backup files to Google Drive automatically and other cloud storage services, including OneDrive, pCloud, Hidrive, and Dropbox, on Windows 11/10/8/7. With its incremental backup and differential backup, EaseUS Todo Backup will help to save much storage space.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a robust backup program that has multiple functions:

• Backup files, folders, disk/partition, APP data, or create a system image
• Partition and disk cloning to upgrade the hard drive without reinstalling the OS
• Create a WinPE bootable USB disk
• Various types of backup, compressed backup, encrypted backup, etc
• Save the backup to cloud services, NAS, internal & external hard drives, security zones, etc

With so many advantages and benefits, it can safeguard the security of your digital world and let you enjoy the convenience of any media without concern. Download and use it to save files to Google Drive or backup documents to Google Drive according to the scheduled frequency.

Step 1. Click "Select backup contents" to initiate a backup.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, click File.

Step 3. Local and network files will be displayed on the left side. You may extend the directory to choose which files to back up.

Step 4. Select the location where you want to store the backup by following the on-screen instructions.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options," and to setup a backup schedule and choose to initiate a backup at a certain event in "Backup Scheme." There are a variety of other customization options available for the backup process.

Step 5. You may save the backup to a local disk, EaseUS' online service, or a NAS.

Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add your account, and then log in.

You can also save backups to EaseUS's cloud storage service. Sign up for an EaseUS Account and log in after clicking EaseUS Cloud.

Step 7. To begin backup, click "Backup Now" Once the backup process has been finished, it will be shown as a card on the panel's left side. To further manage a backup job, right-click it.

[Comparison] Sync or Backup: Which One to Choose?

Both backup and sync are effective methods to keep the safety of your data on a computer. But technically, they are different. 

Backup means creating an exact copy of the files. In other words, you have two copies of files on two different devices. If you delete a copy on one device, the other copy is still there, and you won't lose it. This is very helpful for those who want to keep the safety of their data.

While syncing means sharing one copy of a file among different devices. You can get access to the file on other devices simultaneously and collaborate on it, Which brings great convenience when you need to work with your partners or colleagues. But if you delete the file on one device, it will sync on other devices, and you will lose the file forever.

Both of them have their own advantages, and you can apply both methods according to your actual needs.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup Files to Google Drive on Mobile Phones

If you want to back up files to Google Drive on your Android devices, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1. Download and install Google Drive on your phone.

Step 2. Open it, and log in to your Google account.

Step 3. Click the Folder icon in the lower right corner, and then choose the folder to save the backup data.

Step 4. Click Create new (plus icon) > Upload, select the file to back up, and then click Done to confirm.

The Bottom Line

This post shows two auto solutions to back up files to Google Drive. Whether you use the Google Drive auto-sync feature or the backup software, they can effectively upload your data to Google Drive without hassle. 

But as for the topic we discussed in this guide, backup files to Google Drive, we strongly recommend you use the backup software, EaseUS Todo Backup, to ensure the safety of data on your computer in every aspect.

Backup Files to Google Drive FAQs

1. Is Google Drive good for backup?

Google Drive is a convenient cloud storage to save your data. It offers 5GB of free cloud storage and allows you to sync and back up data on it. Most people tend to use cloud storage for its large capacity, easy-to-access, and convenient cooperation. You can use it as a backup option to make full use of all the advantages.

2. Is it possible to back up Google Drive?

Google Drive is an online cloud storage service to help save and sync files. Although there is no direct way to back up the Google Drive app, you can create a backup for the Google Drive local folder. You can use reliable backup software, like EaseUS Todo Backup, to schedule a backup plan.

3. Do I need to back up my Google Drive files?

Google Drive itself is a storage service and can be used to work as a backup location. But you still need to back up the Google Drive files as well. The data on the Cloud isn't absolutely safe. Save a backup can help when tech hackers attack or destroy cloud data. Also, you can back up Google Drive to OneDrive for better data preservation and better data management.