Learn Why Google Backup and Sync Not Working and How to Fix This Problem

  author
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On September 19th, 2023
Reading Time 8 Minutes Reading

Jacob:As a photographer, I often use Google Drive to upload all photos of my camera. Yesterday, when I plugged my camera to save photos on Google Photos it displayed the uploading status. After that, when I checked it again, it showed the same spinning arrow. Well, it was a taking long time than usual. I realized that Google Backup and Sync not working and restarted it again but, the issue remains the same. Please, someone, suggest me a technique so that I can upload my photos quickly and seamlessly. Thanks.

Charles:My Google Backup and Sync can’t connect. I have tried quitting and restarting it. To resolve this issue, I have also uninstalled and re-installed it but, I am getting the same message every time that says it cannot connect with a green mark. Does anyone know how to solve this? Thank you in advance.

Are you one of those users, who are facing Google Drive Backup and Sync not opening issue and want to fix this problematic situation? If the answer is yes, then do not be panic, as we have come up with this editorial. Here, we are going to cover all the possible solutions to resolve this issue. However, before going to the solution section, it is essential to understand the problem. So, let us get started!

Table of Contents:

The following write-up will discuss the process of exporting Gmail emails to the PST file format. Let us first explore the table of contents:

  1. Problem: Google Backup and Sync Not Working
  2. One-Stop Solution For All Google Backup and Sync Not Working Issues
  3. Conclusion & FAQs

Problem: Google Backup and Sync Not Working

Google Drive is one of the most influential pieces of applications offered by Google that includes multiple features. Its Google Backup & Sync service enable users to upload and store files from any folder on the computer, camera and SD cards in the cloud. Google has upgraded this service several times, from the start. As it is an eminent service provided by Google, however, it also includes some demerits that cause trouble to users. Google Drive Backup and Sync do not work after Windows update is a common issue faced by several users who are using this feature. This issue can occur in several forms such as error prompts, display freezing or the program stops working. Below are some cases and smart tricks, which can resolve all the problems related to Google Backup & Sync.

Issue 1: Backup & Sync Needs to Quit. Error: D41D8CD9

Sometimes when users try to sync their Google Drive with the computer they get an error message that says Google Drive needs to quit.

Diagnosis: This happens due to the presence of the bug, which does not check if the previously selected folders are syncable or not.

Solutions

1: Restart Backup & Sync

  • On the bottom-right of the taskbar of your computer, click on the system tray icon of Backup & Sync.
  • In the new pop up wizard, click on More (three dots on the upper right).
  • Choose Quit Backup and Sync.
  • After that, the application will be closed. Then, reopen the Backup & Sync program and the Google Drive backup and Sync not working issue will be solved.

2: Uninstall and Reinstall

  • Uninstall and then re-download the Backup and Sync from Google on your system.
  • Launch installbackupandsync.exe and allow the software to install and restart your computer.
  • After successful installation, start Backup and Sync and Sign in with your Google account.
  • While going through the configuration, uncheck all the source folders that are checked by default and select the desired ones.
  • Start the service again and Google backup and sync not working after the Windows update problem is fixed.

Issue 2: Cannot Log in to Google Drive. Error: B95C4F5F

Sometimes, users could not log in to Google Drive with their Gmail account and got an error: B95C4F5F. This error code can be generated in any version of Windows and stop users from opening their Google Drive.

Diagnosis: The login issue occurs because the application becomes unable to connect to the Internet due to proxy settings. Or else, the user is having a problem connecting to Google’s servers as the application is interfering with its connections. This application is most probably the Windows Firewall or any other antivirus software.

Solutions

1: Change Proxy Settings

If you are running a proxy then, try to open Google Drive Backup & Sync on any other network to check if logging in works. Otherwise, one can try a US IP address fox fixing the Google backup can’t log in issue.

2: Disable Firewall/ Antivirus Programs

Turn off or delete the Windows Firewall (such as QuickHeal) and the other third-party antivirus program to check if you can log in to the Google backup app or not. If you can log in after that then, you need to keep running the Firewall or antivirus, however, make the exception for software or use a different antivirus program.

Issue 3: Backup & Sync Is Disabled With Context Menu Missing “Can’t Sync”

While clicking on the system tray, an error prompt is displayed and nothing can be done after that. It says that the Context menu is missing too and cannot sync.

Diagnosis: This issue may occur due to the language of the application if it is not English or if the app text font is unable to recognize it.

Solutions

1: Change the App Language

  • Quit the app (if it is running)
  • Open the cmd.exe and type in:
    set LANG=en_US
    “c:\program files (x86)\Google\Drive\googledrivesync.exe”
  • After that, the Google Drive auto backup not opening issue will be resolved

2: Install Google Roboto Font

Install Google Roboto font on your local machine. If you already had installed this font but, it is corrupted then, you have to first reboot your PC. After that, navigate to “C:\Windows\Fonts” and delete the “roboto*.ttf”. Then, install Roboto font again. After the installation, Google Drive backup can’t connect should problem will be fixed.

One-Stop Solution For All Google Backup and Sync Not Working Issues

If all the above techniques do not work for you and the Google Backup and sync issue remains the same, then, you can switch to any other cloud drives (such as OneDrive or Dropbox). Or users can rely on a trusted third-party backup tool to take backup of their local files/ photos. One such application is Gmail Backup tool. It allows users to download and save all the data items of their personal Gmail account i.e., emails, contacts, calendars and documents on the local machine/ computer/ desktop.

  1. Initially open the tool once downloaded, then provide the login credentials.

Google Backup and Sync not working

2. On entering the login details, use the any Email category and Format option to export the email files. 

select the format and category

3. In PDF format you get to save the attachment on disk. You can also use the Delete Afer Download to get your backup easily. 

4. Next, enter the destination folder where all the exported email files will be saved. Use the Browse Button.

Then finally hit the Start button to avoid the issue of Google backup and sync not working.

set the path and solve the Google Backup and Sync not working issue

Also Read: Use Effective Tricks to Free Up Gmail Storage Space

Conclusion

Google Drive is an offline and online file-synchronizing service but, what happens when the Google Backup and Sync stops working? Well, it is very common to have issues with Google Drive. From inspecting the network connection, turning off the firewall, or reconnecting the account, all the techniques discussed in this article to fix Google Backup and Sync not working after the Windows update issue. Now, one can pick the appropriate solution according to their case.

Q: I am not able to log in to Google Drive. What should I do?

A: There are three solutions to this problem:
1. Change Proxy Settings
2. Disable Firewall / Antivirus
3. Backup Google Drive Data

Q: How to Resolve the Google Backup and Sync Not Working issue?

A: You can try restarting Backup and Sync, Installing Google Robo Font or backup Drive data using Google Data Backup Software

Q: How Do I use Google Backup Software?

A: Backup Google photos, videos and other data in 5 simple steps:

  1. Download and Launch Google Backup Software.
  2. Sign in using your Google Account.
  3. Choose the Files you want to backup and apply Filter.
  4. Select the Destination location on your computer
  5. Finally, click the Export button to complete the process.
Q: What is the difference between Gmail Backup Software and Backup & Sync?

A: The Google Backup and Sync option provide you with a Sync copy of your cloud data, which means if you delete data from Google Cloud then it will be deleted from the Computer too. Also, you can only manage 15 GB of data. But Gmail Backup Software allows you to download Backup on a local computer, which will not be affected if you delete Google Cloud data.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.