Update 2 (December 02):

Google recently revealed that the new feature – added in Backup and Sync version 3.38 to exclude any type of files – only applies to the folders in the My Computers section, not to the Google Drive folder.

Update 1 (December 01):

Backup and Sync v3.38 is now out.

backup-and-sync-v3.38

We can confirm that the ability to exclude any type of files has also been added with the client’s latest release.

backup-and-sync-3.38-exclude-files-option

Original story below:

For quite long (actually very long – since 2015), users of Google Drive’s desktop client app have been asking for the freedom to exclude any type of files from syncing. And finally, looks like Google is listening. After introducing the options to exclude RAW files and screenshots from syncing in an earlier Backup and Sync update, the company has now confirmed that it’s going to allow exclusion of files based on extensions.

Google employee Rishi took to the official Drive help forum to break the news to those who asked for the feature. Here’s what he said:

We will be releasing a power user feature for folders in the “My Computer” section where you can ignore extensions in version 3.38

He also shared a screenshot showing the new feature in action. As you can see below, the feature will be accessible through the ‘Change’ option in the ‘My Computer’ section of the Preferences menu in the Backup and Sync app (which is the common client for Drive and Photos).

backup-and-ync-power-user-feature

Rishi also suggested that the new version (3.38) should be installed over the current one, stressing that users SHOULD NOT uninstall the latter first.

Here’s the complete statement:

The Google employee’s comment also indicates that Backup and Sync version 3.38 will be rolling out soon. So keep a tab here, as we’ll update as and when the client’s latest version goes live.

Google Drive Help Forum

Stay connected with us on Twitter (@PiunikaWeb) to hear about all related developments as and when they occur

Dr. Aparajita Sharma
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Currently, I am pursuing Ph.D (Psychology), and have been teaching the same for past four years. Coming to PiunikaWeb, I know it was a complete switch over, but the idea was appealing enough to put in all the effort it called for. My work primarily involves research. Oh, and yes, some of the photographs you see here are clicked by me. Overall, I am enjoying whatever I am doing, and hoping you’ll also feel the same reading all my articles. You can find me on LinkedIN.

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