This wikiHow teaches you how to download photos from your Google Photos account to your computer via the Google Backup and Sync tool.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Installing Google Backup and Sync
Step 1. Visit
This page is the main page of Google Backup and Sync, a free application that makes it easy for you to download all the content from your Google Photos account to your computer.
Step 2. Click Download
A pop-up window will appear asking you to specify where to save the installation file.
Step 3. Select a folder and click Save
Make sure you choose a memorable folder as you will need to run the downloaded installation file.
Step 4. Double-click the installation file
This file is the file you just downloaded. The Google Backup and Sync program will be downloaded and installed afterwards.
If you see a pop-up window with a warning, click “ Run ” to give permission.
Step 5. Follow the prompts shown on the screen to complete the installation
You may need to restart the computer to complete the installation, depending on the settings.
Part 2 of 3: Setting up Google Backup and Sync
Step 1. Visit
If you are already signed in to your account, the contents of your Google Drive account will be opened.
If not, click " Go to Google Drive ” and log into the account at this stage.
Step 2. Click the gear icon
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click Settings
Step 4. Check the box next to “Create a Google Photos folder”
With this box, Google Drive will display links to photo collections on the drive.
Step 5. Click Done
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. You can now close or hide the browser window.
Step 6. Right-click the Google Backup and Sync icon
If you're using a Windows computer, this icon is in the application section on the right side of the workbar. If you're using a Mac, it's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. The icon looks like a cloud with an arrow.
Step 7. Click Sign in
A window containing the Google login page will open.
Step 8. Sign in to your Google account and click Next
You will now see several pages to go through the advanced initial setup process.
Step 9. Select Back up photos and videos and click Next.
Step 10. Select the folder you want to save the Google photos to
Click the box next to the folder to select it.
- If you don't see the folder you want to use, click " CHOOSE FOLDER ” to select the desired folder.
- You can select a folder that already contains images (e.g. folder “ Pictures ”), but keep in mind that the folders already stored in it will be backed up to your Google Photos account as well.
Step 11. Select the upload size
This size refers to the size of the photo to be uploaded to Google Photos, not the photo to be downloaded.
- Click " High quality ” to choose a capable quality with a slightly reduced size. This option is suitable for most users, but if you are a professional photographer using large RAW files, you may notice a drop in quality. This option also allows you to store an unlimited number of photos and videos, without having to pay for additional storage space.
- Choose " Original quality ” to save the original resolution and size of the photo. This option is a more appropriate choice for people who need very high resolution photos, but this option takes up a lot of Google quota.
Step 12. Click Start
Google Backup and Sync will upload the files from the selected folder to your Google Drive account. This process may take some time, depending on the number of photos uploaded. You can do other activities while waiting, such as downloading photos.
Google Backup and Sync will always run on your computer to ensure that your photo files are always backed up to your Google Drive account
Part 3 of 3: Downloading Photos
Step 1. Right-click the Google Backup and Sync icon
Again, this icon looks like a cloud with an arrow showing in the app cross-section (Windows) or menu bar (macOS).
Step 2. Click Preferences
Step 3. Click Google Drive
This option is in the left column.
Step 4. Click Sync only these folders…
A list of folders will be displayed.
Step 5. Select Google Photos and click OK.
Content from your Google Photos account will be downloaded to your computer. This process can take a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of large photos (and a slow internet connection).
- If you want to download another folder from Google Drive, you can also select it at this stage.
- To view the downloaded photos, open the Google Drive folder on your computer, then double-click the “ Google Photos " Photos and videos are stored in that folder, and are usually separated into subfolders by date and/or album name.
