How Can You Efficiently Backup Google Drive to Computer – In 7 Simple Steps
Looking for a way to backup Google documents, sheets, images, videos, and other files locally? Then, you can grab all your Google drive data using Google Takeout. But, wait! Is it the right method for you? Is Google Takeout an efficient solution for backup? In this article, we will discuss all these questions and provide you simple method to backup Google Drive to computer / external hard drive.
Possible Methods For Google Drive Data Backup
The most general method known to everybody for backup Google Drive to computer is by using Google Takeout. It is a service provided by Google for personal and business Google account users so that they can easily save their data. However, as the technology is increasing, the feature and functionalities of Google Takeout still the same as when it initially came out.
Yes, the method still works and users who want to backup Google Drive data to computer/ external hard drives. But, there are many complexities faced by users while pursuing these methods. That is why many technical experts recommend an automated tool as an alternative for Google Takeout.
Complexities Faced While Using Google Takeout
- It doesn’t provide date-range filters for selective data backup Google Drive to computer.
- The time taken for the creation of archives may take hours and possibly days (depending upon the size of data). The procedure may take fewer times for a personal Google account (@gmail.com) But business accounts have too many files and data, so takeout will take more than days for creation.
- After the creation of an archive, the user again has to Download the archive to the desktop. Google only provides 5 attempts to download an archive, if the limit expires then you will not be able to download the archive.
- Google Takeout created archive is valid for a limited time, if you don’t download the archive in a given time period, then you need to re-request for archive again.
Working Step of Google Takeout to Backup Google Drive Data
- Step 1: Go to www.takeout.google.com and login into your Google account for initiating the Google drive backup process
- Step 2: Deselect All items from the items which are already selected in the window and then select the Google Drive tab from the list.
- Step 3: Now, apply a filter for the type of data to be backup from Google drive. You can choose among Google Docs, Sheets, Presentations, Drawing, Forms, Uploaded Files, etc.
- Step 4: After selecting the items in Google drive for backup, scroll down below, and click on the “Create archive” button.
- Step 5: The archive creation will take some time (hours or possibly days) depending upon the size of data that’s been stored in Google drive. After the archive is ready you will get an email about it.
- Step 6: Click on the “Manage Archive” button and it will take you to a page that will allow downloading the archive in the ZIP file.
- Step 7: Click on the Download button, to download the archive file at the default download storage location.
Automated Solution: Backup Google Drive to Computer / External Hard Drive
An automated tool like SysTools Backup Google Drive overcomes all the limitations of Google Takeout and provides an easy way to backup your Google drive files onto your system. Using these, you can save the backup at the desired destination location, whether it is your computer, or any other external hard drive or media. During the backup process, the tool provides a wide range of filters for selective data backup from Google accounts. The is no requirement of time taking process like Archive creation while using this tool. The tool will simply download all files/folders directly from Google drive.
Free Gmail Users
For G Suite Users
Features of Automated Tools
- Doesn’t require creating an archive.
- Downloads complete Google drive data without limitation.
- Provides Date-Range filter for selective data backup.
- Backup Google Drive to the desired location.
- Available for both Gmail / G Suite users.
- No limitation on the number of times backup can be done.
- Delete After Download option for saving server space.
Also Read: How to Download Documents from Google Docs?
Conclusion
We all know that Google Drive is a safe platform for storing data, but hackers can still breach your account. It’s better to save your important invoices, bank statements, and documents on your computer or external drive. In the above write-up, we have explained two methods to backup Google drive to computer. You can compare both methods and choose the right method for yourself. Download the demo version of the automated tool for testing and comparison purposes.