Google has announced that a brand-new Google Drive for desktop application is set to arrive soon. It will make it easier and convenient for users to keep a track of their files and folders stored on the cloud. The new app is primarily aimed at streamlining the experience for desktop users as there are currently two different tools available.

The first one is called Backup and Sync which is meant for general consumers. Drive File Stream is a desktop tool meant for enterprise customers. The new Drive for desktop app will the unified solution for both types of users and will have commonly used features borrowed from the two clients. It will be taking place of Drive File Stream and as for Backup and Sync, it will eventually be phased out completely.

Google Drive is accessible through web browsers for desktop users but having a dedicated app eliminates the need for opening up a browser just for the sake of checking files. It gives an experience similar to browsing one's PC storage drives for browsing and accessing locally stored files. Since it supports syncing, any changes that you make on any of the files through any other device will also get reflected on the desktop client automatically. This is applicable even for files that have collaborators.

The new Drive for desktop app will be available for both Windows and Mac users. Google says Backup and Sync users will soon start seeing a prompt advising them to make a switch to the new app. These prompts will appear until September 2021 after which users will get in-app notifications while trying to sync files. In other words, file syncing will not work unless they transition to the new app.