How to Select All Photos in Google Photos (Step-by-Step Guide)

Google Photos is one of the most popular platforms for storing, organizing, and sharing photos and videos. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, it allows users to efficiently manage large amounts of multimedia content. However, one task that may seem complicated for some is selecting all the photos in Google Photos, especially when performing actions such as downloading, deleting, or moving large amounts of files.

In this article, we'll explore in detail how to select all your photos in Google Photos, whether from a computer or mobile device, and offer practical tips to optimize your experience. We'll also provide information on tools that can complement your workflow, such as advanced operating systems available in MicroSpain.

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Why select all photos in Google Photos?

Selecting all photos in Google Photos may be necessary for several reasons. For example, you may want to back up your entire library to an external hard drive, transfer your photos to another cloud storage service, such as those that integrate with advanced operating systems like Windows 11 Enterprise, or simply free up space in your Google account.

Since Google Photos no longer offers free unlimited storage, managing your photos efficiently is more important than ever. Additionally, selecting all photos allows you to organize them into albums, share them with friends or family, or even delete unwanted content in bulk.

Another common reason for selecting all photos is the need to migrate data to a new device or operating system. For example, if you're upgrading your computer to Windows 10 Pro or higher, you may want to make sure all your photos are backed up before making the transition. This process may seem overwhelming, especially if you have thousands of photos, but with the right steps, it's easier than it seems.

Preparations before selecting photos

Before you begin, it's important to make sure you have everything you need to complete this task efficiently. Here are some key preparations:

1. Check your internet connectionSelecting and downloading large amounts of photos requires a stable connection, especially if you plan to use Google Takeout to export your library.
2. Storage spaceMake sure your device has enough space to store the downloaded photos. If you're using a Windows computer, consider upgrading to a more optimized version like Windows 10/11 Home or Pro for better performance and file management.
3. previous organizationIf you only want to select photos from a specific album or date, review your library to identify what content you want to include. Google Photos offers filtering tools that make this task easier.
4. Access to your Google account: Make sure you're signed in to the correct Google Photos account, as you won't be able to select photos from another account without switching users.

How to select all photos in Google Photos from a computer

Selecting all your photos in Google Photos from a computer is a relatively simple process, but it requires careful attention to avoid mistakes. Below are the detailed steps to do so:

Step 1: Access Google Photos

Open your preferred web browser and go to photos.google.com. Sign in with your Google account if you haven't already. Once there, you'll see your photo library, organized chronologically or by album, depending on your settings.

Step 2: Select the first photo

In the main view of Google Photos, locate the first photo in your library. Hover over the photo thumbnail, and a circle will appear in the upper left corner. Click this circle to select it. The photo will be highlighted with a blue border, indicating it has been selected.

Step 3: Select all photos

To select all photos in the current view, press and hold the key. Shift and scroll down to the last visible photo in your library. Click the selection circle next to this last photo. This will select all the photos between the first and last. However, keep in mind that this method only selects the photos visible on the screen. If you have thousands of photos, you'll need to scroll down to load more and repeat the process.

Step 4: Use Google Takeout to select everything

If you want to select absolutely all the photos in your account, your best option is to use Google Takeout, a tool designed to export data from Google services. Follow these steps:

1. Go to takeout.google.com and sign in.
2. Uncheck all default options by clicking “Deselect All.”
3. Scroll down and select only “Google Photos.”
4. Click “All included photo albums” to choose specific albums or select all photos.
5. Click “Next Step” and choose the delivery method (for example, a download link via email).
6. Select the size of the compressed files (2 GB is recommended for compatibility) and click “Create Export.”

Google Takeout will generate a compressed file with all your photos, which you can download to your computer. This process can take hours or even days, depending on the amount of data.

Tips to optimize the process

• Use a powerful computerIf you're handling a lot of data, an operating system like Windows 11 Enterprise can offer better performance for handling downloads and file unzipping.
• Check the formatGoogle Takeout allows you to choose between ZIP or TGZ formats. ZIP is more compatible with most systems, but if you're using specialized software, TGZ may be an option.
• Organize downloaded filesOnce downloaded, organize your photos into folders for easy access. An advanced operating system like Windows 10 Pro offers robust file management tools.

How to select all photos in Google Photos from a mobile device

If you prefer to use your phone or tablet, Google Photos also allows you to select photos, although the process is slightly different due to the touch interface. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Google Photos app

Download and install the Google Photos app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) if you don't already have it. Sign in with your Google account and access the "Photos" tab at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Select the first photo

Press and hold a photo until a selection circle appears in the upper left corner. This will activate selection mode, and the photo will be highlighted.

Step 3: Select all photos

Swipe down to select multiple photos at once. To select all photos from a day or month, tap the circle next to the corresponding date at the top of the screen. Unfortunately, Google Photos doesn't offer a direct "Select All" option in the mobile app, so you'll need to manually select by date or scroll to upload more photos.

Step 4: Use Google Takeout from your mobile browser

If you need to select all your photos, we recommend using Google Takeout from your mobile device's browser, following the same steps described in the previous section. This is more efficient than manually selecting photos in the app.

Tips for mobile devices

• Optimize your deviceMake sure your phone has enough storage and battery before downloading large amounts of photos. An updated operating system, like the one you can get by upgrading from Windows 10/11 Home to Pro, can make it easier to transfer files from your phone to your computer.
• Use Wi-Fi: Downloading photos consumes data, so it's best to connect to a Wi-Fi network to avoid additional costs.
• Organize by datesIf you only need photos from a specific period, use the date filters in the app to narrow down the number of photos you want to select.

Other ways to manage your photos in Google Photos

In addition to selecting all your photos, Google Photos offers other tools that can help you manage your library more efficiently. Here are some helpful options:

Filtered by date, location or people

Google Photos lets you filter photos by date, location, or people recognized by artificial intelligence. To use this feature, go to the "Search" tab and type in keywords like "beach" or "birthday," or select a specific date range. This is ideal if you don't need to filter photos by date. select all photos, but only a subset.

Create albums

Selecting all photos can be helpful for creating albums. After selecting photos, tap the “+” icon at the top and choose “Album” or “Shared Album.” This allows you to organize your photos for easier sharing or access in the future.

Manual download of individual photos

If you only need a few photos, you can download them individually by clicking the three dots in the top right corner of a photo and selecting "Download." However, for large quantities, Google Takeout is the best option.

Delete photos

If your goal is to free up space, you can delete photos after selecting them. Click the trash can icon in the top right corner. Be careful, as deleted photos are moved to the trash and are permanently deleted after 60 days.

Complementary tools for managing photos

To maximize your experience with Google Photos, consider using additional tools to streamline file management on your computer or mobile device. For example:

• Windows 10 ProThis operating system offers advanced file management, ideal for organizing large amounts of photos downloaded from Google Photos. Its compatibility with third-party apps and optimized performance make it an excellent choice.
• 11 Windows EnterpriseIf you're looking for a next-generation operating system with advanced security and productivity features, this is an ideal choice for professionals who handle large volumes of multimedia data.
• Upgrade Windows 10/11 Home to ProIf you already have Windows Home, upgrading to the Pro version will give you access to advanced tools that make it easier to manage files and sync with cloud services.

These tools not only improve your workflow, but also ensure your photos are safe and well-organized on your device.

Common troubleshooting

Sometimes users encounter problems when trying to select all photos in Google Photos. Here are some solutions to the most common issues:

I can't select all the photos at once.

Google Photos doesn't offer a direct "Select All" option in the main interface. The workaround is to use Google Takeout to export your entire library or select photos by date in the mobile app.

Google Takeout takes too long to download

If you have a lot of photos, the export process may take some time. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and wait for the email with the download link. If the problem persists, try splitting the export into smaller files (for example, 1 GB instead of 50 GB).

I don't have enough space on my device

Before downloading, check the available space on your device. If necessary, use an external hard drive or upgrade your operating system to a more efficient version like Windows 10 Pro for better storage management.

Photos are not downloaded in the correct format

Make sure you choose the ZIP format in Google Takeout, as it is more compatible with most devices. If you use TGZ, you'll need additional software to unzip the files.

Conclusion

Selecting all the photos in Google Photos can seem like a complicated task, but with the right tools and steps, it's a manageable process. Whether you're using a computer or a mobile device, Google Photos and Google Takeout offer practical solutions for managing large amounts of photos. Additionally, complementing your workflow with advanced operating systems like Windows 10 Pro, Windows 11 Enterprise, or upgrading from Windows 10/11 Home to Pro can significantly improve the organization and security of your files. With this guide, you're ready to take control of your photo library and perform everything from backups to transfers efficiently.

FAQs

Can I select all photos from a specific album?

Yes, in Google Photos, go to the album, tap the selection circle on the first photo, hold down the Shift key and select the last photo to select all the photos in the album.

How long does it take for Google Takeout to export my photos?

It depends on the number of photos. It can take from a few hours to several days. You'll receive an email with the download link once the export is complete.

Can I select photos by date in Google Photos?

Yes, use the date filters in the “Search” tab or select photos by day/month in the mobile app by tapping the circle next to the date.

What do I do if I don't have enough space to download my photos?

Free up space on your device or use an external hard drive. You can also split your export into smaller files in Google Takeout.

Is it safe to download photos with Google Takeout?

Yes, Google Takeout is an official Google tool that ensures the security of your data during export, as long as you use a secure connection.