In recent years, the cloud storage industry has boomed. With over one billion active users, Google Drive is undoubtedly one of the world's most popular cloud storage services, with many computer users storing their data on it. But the word is that Google Drive will soon be no more.

Will Google Drive Disappear? This article from Tools will explain whether Google Drive will vanish. Plus, we'll share a better solution for data protection. Keep reading!

Google Drive Will Stop Working on Windows 8.1/8

Google Drive was launched on April 24, 2012, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as a web interface. On computers, it was called “Google Drive for Desktop.”

Next up, we just need the translation in American English: "Google Drive Desktop"

Google Drive Desktop provides a way to store, share, and manage files on your computer. The current version combines the features of "Backup and Sync" and "Drive File Stream."

Sadly, a message on Google's website warns that, starting in August 2023, Google Drive will no longer support certain platforms.

Google Drive will end support for 32-bit versions of Windows, Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 in August 2023, according to Google.

This means that if you're a Windows 8/8.1 user or use a computer with a 32-bit operating system, you will no longer be able to access Google Drive's desktop version. Therefore, to avoid service disruptions, Windows users should upgrade to Windows 10 (64-bit) or later before August 2023.

The short answer to the question "Is Google Drive discontinuing service in 2023?" is no. Google Drive will not be discontinuing its service in 2023, but its desktop version will no longer be supported on 32-bit Windows operating systems, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows Server 2012.

If you're wondering about the difference between Google Drive Desktop and Backup and Sync, this article can help.

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google drive for desktop vs backup and sync

Google Drive Desktop vs Backup and Sync

Which one do you prefer, Google Drive for Desktop or Backup and Sync? This article will help you choose. Read more >>

Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Drive Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Google that gives users a convenient platform to store, share, and collaborate on files. It has many pros, but there are also some cons to consider. Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of Google Drive: Advantages: 1. **Free Storage**: Upon sign-up, Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage for documents, photos, and other files. 2. **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: It works smoothly across various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. 3. **Integration with Google Workspace**: Google Drive plays nicely with other Google services like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, enabling real-time collaboration on documents. 4. **File Sharing and Collaboration**: Sharing files or folders with others is a breeze, and you can grant them different levels of access, simplifying teamwork. 5. **Search Functionality**: Google Drive's strong search tools let you locate specific files or content within files using keywords, filters, or even OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for scanned docs. 6. **Version History**: It maintains a record of file revisions, so you can revert to earlier versions if necessary. 7. **Automatic Backup**: With a Google One subscription, users can automatically back up their device's photos, videos, and files. Disadvantages: 1. **Limited Free Storage**: The 15 GB free storage can be used up quickly, especially for those storing large files or using multiple Google services. 2. **Privacy Concerns**: Some users may have privacy worries since Google could use your data for targeted advertising when stored on their servers. 3. **Costs for Extra Storage**: While initial storage is free, upgrading to larger plans can be pricier compared to some rival services. 4. **Internet Dependency**: Uploading, downloading, and collaborating on files require a stable internet connection, which might pose a problem in areas with weak connectivity. 5. **Syncing Issues**: Users sometimes encounter syncing issues, resulting in file conflicts or inconsistencies across devices. 6. **File Size Limitations**: Restrictions on individual file upload sizes might be a concern for users handling large media files. 7. **Security Risks**: Despite using encryption for data transfer and storage, there's always a hacking or unauthorized access risk when using any cloud service. In summary, Google Drive provides a comprehensive set of tools for file storage and collaboration. However, users should consider the trade-offs, like limited free storage and privacy concerns, before deciding to use it.

Like I said before, Google Drive for Desktop won't work anymore on Windows 8/8.1, 32-bit systems, or Windows Server 2012. But don't worry, the online version isn't affected. If you're running Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer, you're all good. Keep using Google Drive to save your important stuff.

Well, Google Drive ain't as flawless as you might think. Let's dive into its pros and cons.

Advantages of Google Drive

  • Easy File Access and Storage. You can quickly save or grab your data from Google Drive on any device with an internet connection, whether it's an Android, iPad, Mac, iPhone, or PC.
  • Automatic Backup and Sync. Google Drive gives you automatic backup and sync features to make sure your files are securely stored and easily reachable whenever you want them.
  • Works with Other Google Apps. Google Drive plays nice with other popular Google tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
  • Powerful Search and Organizing Features. Search lets you find files by name, what's inside them, who owns them, or keywords. You can sort your files into folders, use labels, and even color code for easy organization.

Disadvantages of Google Drive

  • Privacy and Data Security Concerns. Your data on Google Drive might be used for targeted ads. While Google has robust security measures to safeguard user info, there's still a chance of data breaches or unauthorized access.
  • Storage Limits. Google Drive gives you 15GB of free cloud storage. If you need more space, you'll have to buy a storage plan.
  • Internet Dependence. You need an internet connection to access your files on Google Drive. Though it lets you work offline, any changes or comments won't sync until you're back online.
  • File Size Limitations. Embedded images in a doc can't be over two gigabytes. Also, alphanumeric and text files can't exceed 1,024,000 characters.

Google Drive is a widely used cloud storage platform, but sometimes you may encounter issues like Google Drive not working or Google Drive not syncing when trying to synchronize or back up your data. Hence, Google Drive or cloud backup might not be the most reliable method for protecting your data.

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Is cloud backup software the answer to better data protection?

According to the 3-2-1 backup rule, you should keep three copies of your data on two different media, with one copy stored offline and separate from the other three.

Thus, merely relying on a cloud storage service like Google Drive is not enough. For this purpose, you can use professional cloud backup software like Todo Backup to better protect your data.

Todo Backup Home is a practical and versatile backup and recovery tool designed for Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11. It enables you to automatically back up files, disks, systems, and applications on your computer. Additionally, it allows you to perform various backup modes, including full backup, differential backup, and incremental backup. Here are some key features of Todo Backup:

Todo Backup is a comprehensive backup tool that caters to all your backup needs, regardless of where you want to store your data. It assists you in compressing backups and saving them across different locations to ensure your data is secure. Moreover, it offers an enterprise version for Windows server users. Feel free to download and utilize it on your computer.

Here are the steps to back up your files to the cloud using Todo Backup:

Step 1: To begin the backup process, click the Select Backup Content button.

Create File Backup Step 1

Step 2. Identify four categories of data to back up: files, disks, operating systems, and mail.

Create File Backup Step 2

Step 3: A list of local and network files appears on the left side of the screen. Expand the directories and select the files you want to back up.

File Backup

Step 4: Choose where to save the backup on-screen.

File Backup Step 4

Make sure the backups are encrypted, and set up a backup schedule by clicking on "Options" within "Backup Options." You can also choose to start a backup at a specific time by clicking "Options" within "Backup Scheme." There are many other customizable options for you to explore.

Backup Options

Step 5. You can store the backup file on your computer, in the tool's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

File Backup Step 4

Step 6: Todo Backup lets users store backup copies of their files on third-party cloud drives or their company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up to a third-party cloud drive, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add a “Cloud Device.” Enter your account information.

Click “Cloud,” register and log in with your account, and you can store your backup files in the tool's cloud-storage service.

Back up to Tool Cloud

Step 7: Click Back Up Now to start the backup process. When it's done, it'll appear as a card on the left side of the screen. Right-click it for more options on how to handle your backup job.

File Backup Step 7

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wrap-up work

Will Google Drive go away? Or, to rephrase, "Is Google Drive going away soon?" Well, you can rest assured that Google Drive isn't going away, but it will stop supporting Windows 8/8.1, 32-bit versions of Windows, and Windows Server 2012. If this applies to you, you should upgrade to Windows 10 (64-bit) or later to continue using Google Drive.

Worth noting is that cloud storage, like Google Drive, is not an ideal backup plan. It can be part of your backup strategy, but you shouldn't rely on it exclusively. For better data protection, using a professional backup software like the Todo Backup tool should be your top choice.

Such a tool would back up your data in different locations, not just in the cloud. It also allows you to create scheduled backups and manage the backups you create. Many more valuable features await your discovery.

Frequently asked questions about the deprecation of Google Drive

What happened to Google Drive in 2023?

Starting August 2023, Google Drive will no longer support 32-bit Windows operating systems, Windows 8/8.1, or Windows Server. To continue using Google Drive as usual, you'll need to upgrade your Windows computer to Windows 10 (64-bit) or later.

2. Why is Google Drive shutting down?

Is Google Drive shutting down? Actually, no. Google Drive is a popular cloud service that will be around for many years to come.

How can I get more free storage on Google Drive in 2023?

Google Drive offers 15 GB of free cloud storage. This includes Google Photos (except for photos uploaded before June 1, 2021), Google Drive files, and Gmail content. If you run out of space, you'll have to pay for more. Todo Backup offers 250 GB of free cloud storage that you can use to back up your data to multiple locations, like local disks, external disks, NAS, secure zones, and the cloud.