【Halinghing】

Google's Backup and HalinghingSync Drive tool launched earlier this week, and it promises to make full-system cloud storage easier than ever. In essence, you can backup your entire PC by clicking just a couple of buttons.

The tool, which you can download as a desktop application, will store your photos, videos, and docs automatically in the same file format you have on your PC. If you use it right, you should be able to eliminate the annoying process of organizing your stuff a second time on the cloud — so we're going to show you how to do just that.

Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• Google Account

Step 1: Download the Backup and Sync tool.

Getting the tool for Drive is super easy. Download the program from the Drive homepage, or you can head to the Google Photos to download the app.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Step 2: Sign into the Google account you want to use for your file and photo storage.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Step 3: Pick the folders you want to backup.

When you save photos, the unlimited storage perk from Google Photos carries over, so feel free to dump your entire collection onto Drive.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Step 4: Next, select the option "Sync My Drive to this computer."

Before you start the process, make sure you're good with the Drive folder location on your PC and exactly which of your extant folders you're selecting for the sync. If you have a ton of data, you might want to consider a more tailored approach.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Step 5: You should see a desktop icon for Drive, which will automatically backup your files.

Just to be sure, head to your Drive account on your browser to find your files. Click on the "Computers" tab (seen below), and you should be able to access everything directly from there.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Step 6: Enjoy!

That's it! Your entire computer (or selected folder system) should be backed up in its entirety on Google Drive. Now, anytime you drop a file in one of the synced folders, it will be automatically duplicated in the cloud. You can now rest easy knowing that your precious data backed up.

We installed the new app on a MacBook Air for the demo, but Backup and Sync tool is available for Windows, too. You should be able to follow the same steps on any computer. So with that in mind, here's how to backup your entire computer on Google Drive.

SEE ALSO: From Player Pianos to the Cloud: The History of Data Storage

1) Download the Backup and Sync tool.

Getting the tool for Drive is super easy. Download the program from the Drive homepage, or you can head to the Google Photos to download the app.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

2) Sign into the Google account you want to use for your file and photo storage.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

3) Pick the folders you want to backup.

If you're using a Mac, your menu will look like this.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

When you save photos, the unlimited storage perk from Google Photos carries over, so feel free to dump your entire collection onto Drive.

4) Next, select the option "Sync My Drive to this computer."

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Before you start the process, make sure you're good with the Drive folder location on your PC and exactly which of your extant folders you're selecting for the sync. If you have a ton of data, you might want to consider a more tailored approach.

5) You should see a desktop icon for Drive, which will automatically backup your files.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Just to be sure, head to your Drive account on your browser to find your files. Click on the "Computers" tab (seen below), and you should be able to access everything directly from there.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

6) Enjoy!

That's it! Your entire computer (or selected folder system) should be backed up in its entirety on Google Drive. Now, anytime you drop a file in one of the synced folders, it will be automatically duplicated in the cloud. You can now rest easy knowing that your precious data backed up.

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Topics Google How-To

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