How to Sync Google Photos With the Windows 11 Photos App via Google Drive 

Quick Tips

• Google Photos cannot directly interface with the Windows Photo app.
• You can still sync photos, though, but it requires you to upload them to Google Drive.
• You’ll also need to download the desktop Google Drive and sync it with your machine.
• Finally, you can sync the Google Photos folder with Photos.

Google Photos is the go-to app that allows you to view, edit, and organize pictures from any folder on your PC. But what happens when you want to add online pictures to that equation? Well, if you’re looking to sync Google Photos with Windows 11, then this article has you covered. We have a step-by-step guide to help

Taking the Scenic Route

There’s no easy way around it, and no direct way to connect Google Photos to your Photos app. That said, Photos can read picture files from any folder on your PC. By integrating with Google Drive, you can have a folder on your desktop that holds all your online pictures. It will take a few more steps than you might expect, but it will work.

Sync Google Photos With Windows 11 Through Google Drive

Photos will work with any synced folder on your PC, but the key is getting the Google Photos there first. You’ll need to sync these photos with Google Drive, download the desktop version of Drive, share it, and sync that folder with Photos. Let’s get started:

Download Your Google Photos to Your Desktop with Google Takeout

The first part can be done through any browser. You’ll need to add your Google Photos to your Drive through Google Takeout. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Open your browser of choice and navigate to your Google Drive account. Sign in if need be.

Step 2. In a separate tab, open Google Takeout.

Step 3. Deselect all options and navigate down to “Google Photos” and check it.

Step 4. Scroll further down and click the “Next Step” button.

Step 5. Set your “Transfer Destination” to “Add to Drive.”

Step 6. Choose the format and frequency of the folder update before clicking “Create export.”

Step 7. If you’ve chosen “.zip” as a format, you’ll need to unzip the folder in Google Drive.

Add Google Drive to Your Desktop

With Google Photos linked, the next step is to get Drive downloaded to your desktop:

Step 1. Download Google Drive for your desktop.

Step 2. Click the download and follow the steps to install.

Step 3. Once installed, run Google Drive and sign in with your account.

Step 4. Select the Settings icon and choose “Preferences.”

Step 5. In the next window, click Google Drive and choose “Mirror files.” You can also select a specific drive letter for your Drive files, and change it later in “Preferences” again.

Step 6. Your files will begin syncing with your PC. Allow the process to finish.

Add the Photos Folder to the Photos App

Now for the final step, the actual syncing with Photos. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Open the Photos app via the Search Bar or shortcut.

Step 2. In the sidebar, click the Add Folder icon to the right of “Gallery.”

Step 3. Use Explorer to locate your Photos folder under the drive letter you saved it and the rest of your Google Drive.

Step 4. Allow the Google Photos to sync with your app and index. This might take some time.