How to Fix Google Backup and Sync Not Working Issue [2026 Guides]

Written By Rohan Wiese
Updated on April 22nd, 2026

Google Backup and Sync is a widely used desktop application that is used by many organizations and IT professionals to upload and store files, photos, and folders from your computer directly to your Google Drive account. However, there are frequent instances where users find that Google Backup and Sync has stopped working. This leads to leaving files unsynced & resulting in data loss. In this blog, we will cover the practical methods to fix Google Backup and Sync not working. We will also introduce the Aryson Google Workspace Backup Tool for users handling large volumes of data.

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User Query:

David Collins on Reddit shared: “I have been using Google Backup and Sync on my Windows 10 laptop for over a year without issues. Recently, the app stopped syncing my files altogether. It just freezes on ‘Syncing’ and never completes. I have tried restarting my computer, but nothing has changed. I need a reliable way to fix google drive backup and sync not syncing without losing any of my existing data.”

Table of Contents

What Causes “Google Backup and Sync Not Working”

Before you apply any fix, it is important to understand what actually initiates this issue. Mentioned below are the most frequently reported root causes.

An unstable or interrupted internet connection disrupts the sync process entirely.
Outdated versions of the application introduce compatibility bugs over time.
Moreover, this issue can occur due to the firewall or antivirus software.
Additionally, the incorrect proxy settings might be interrupting.
Oversized or improperly named files cause the sync queue to get stuck.

Considering the above causes, it is necessary to proceed to the quick fixes to maintain a proper workflow.

Signs That Google Backup and Sync Is Not Working

Recognising the symptoms early helps you act before significant data loss occurs:

The sync icon in the system tray shows a persistent loading spinner without progress.
Files updated on your computer are not appearing in Google Drive after a long wait.
The application crashes or closes automatically during an active sync session.
The user might see an error message such as “Backup and Sync has encountered a fatal error” on screen.
Moreover, the app context menu may entirely be missed in the system tray.
Google Drive folders on your desktop are not reflecting the latest version of files.

Best Methods to Fix Google Backup and Sync Not Working

In this section, we will discuss some of the most effective fixes in detail. Try each fix and make sure to perform the exact steps to resolve the problem. If none of the manual methods work, you should better proceed with the automated software.

Consider the aspects like time consumption, technical expertise required and most importantly the cause of the problem.

Method 01: Pause and Resume Google Backup and Sync

When files get stuck mid-transfer, pausing and resuming the application forces it to reset the current sync cycle and restart cleanly. This is the simplest first step and resolves most temporary freezes.

Steps to pause and resume Backup and Sync:

Click the Backup and Sync icon in the system tray at the bottom-right of your taskbar.
Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the pop-up.
Click on the Pause button to stop the current syncing.
Now, you must wait for approx 10 to 15 minutes before taking any further action.
Click the Backup and Sync icon again, open the three-dot menu, and select Resume.
At last, just check whether the files are uploaded successfully or not.

Method 02: Restart the Google Backup and Sync App

If the above method didn’t helped you to fix google backup and sync not working, restarting the application might clear the temporary errors in memory. This will also re-establishes the connection between your local system & Google’s servers.

Steps to restart the application are as Follows

Click the Backup and Sync icon from the system tray on your Windows taskbar.
Select the three-dot menu and click Quit Backup and Sync to close it completely.
Wait a few seconds until the icon disappears from the system tray.
Open the Start menu, search for Backup and Sync, and click to relaunch it.
Allow the application a few minutes to reconnect and check whether syncing resumes.

Method 03: Check and Fix Folder Sync Settings

Sometimes, this issue takes place due to the incorrectly configured folder preferences. If you selected some specific folders earlier and later on the selection changed, new files may silently be excluded.

Steps to verify and correct folder settings are as Follows

Click the Backup and Sync icon in the system tray and open the three-dot menu.
Select Preferences from the dropdown list.
On the Preferences page, click Google Drive in the left-hand panel.
On the right side, select Sync everything in My Drive to include all folders.
At last, click on the OK button to apply the changes and restart the sync.

Quick Solution to Resolve “Google Backup and Sync Not Working”

For users managing large mailboxes and file libraries, manual methods may be time-consuming and prone to error. Thus, the Aryson Google Workspace Backup Tool provides an efficient and reliable way to back up and archive your Google data to external drive with full control over date ranges, folder selection, & output formats. This software eliminates the need to perform the same manual steps repeatedly & makes sure that no files are missed during the process. Using the same software, you can also archive Gmail emails by Date Range. The simple interface and interactive GUI makes it easy to use for both personal and enterprise users who want a structured and low-downtime backup experience.

Simplified Steps to Fix the Backup and Sync Not Opening Issue

First, download & run the Aryson Google Workspace Backup Tool on your Windows system.
After that, choose the required source email client & enter login credentials.
Choose Backup Google Workspace All Services, and click on Continue
Enter your Root User Email Address, Service Account Email, and p12 File Path to Login account.
Select User Mailboxes or Google Worspace Data for Backup.
From the provided list, select the destination format or the email client.
For precise backup, apply given optional filters and choose the saving path.
At last, click on Next >> Download to begin archiving mailbox data.

Conclusion

To summarise, we have covered the most effective approaches to fix Google Backup and Sync not working, from quick restarts and folder setting corrections to full reinstallation. For smaller datasets, the manual methods above are sufficient and straightforward. For users dealing with larger volumes of data, the automated solution provides accuracy & saves considerable time. Choosing the right method based on your specific situation will help you restore smooth sync operations and keep your data secure and well-organised.

FAQs

Q1. Why has Google Backup and Sync suddenly stopped working?

Ans: Common reasons include a weak internet connection, firewall restrictions, outdated software, or an incorrect account configuration.

Q2. Will reinstalling Backup and Sync delete my locally synced files?

Ans: No, reinstalling the application does not remove your locally synced files. You can merge them after reinstallation.

Q3. How do I check if Google Drive servers are down?

Ans: Visit the Google Workspace Status Dashboard & check the indicator next to Google Drive for any active disruptions.

Q4. Can a firewall cause Google Backup and Sync not to work?

Ans: Yes, windows firewall or third-party antivirus software can block the app from connecting to Google’s servers. Adding it as a firewall exception typically resolves the issue.

Q5. Is there an automated tool to handle Google backup issues for large data?

Ans: Yes, the Aryson Google Workspace Backup Tool can automate the backup process, apply date filters, and handle bulk data without manual repetition.

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About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Writer at Aryson Technologies. He is an expert Email Forensic, Cloud Computing, and a passionate nerd with over 10 years of experience in technical content writing. He writes about Cloud Migration, Database Recovery, Email Backup, Windows, Mac, and Tech.