Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Google Earth Pro desktop app downloads will cease on June 25th, 2027, though existing installations will continue functioning indefinitely.
- Users should download the desktop version now to retain offline functionality, as Google encourages transitioning to web or mobile versions with new AI features.
- Current users can transfer KML/KMZ files to other platforms using Google’s migration guide while maintaining access to their desktop installations.
According to a recent announcement, the desktop app for Google Earth Pro will no longer be available for download starting June 25th, 2027. Google is now encouraging users to use Google Earth on the web or via the mobile apps for Android and iOS. That means you have less than a year to download Google Earth Pro and keep it as a backup for later.
However, anyone who already has Google Earth Pro installed can continue to use the app after the discontinuation. In other words, the announcement only affects your ability to download the app.
Google says the web version of Google Earth already includes the most popular features from the desktop version, while also offering new features like historical Street View, advanced measurement tools, an expanded library of environmental data, project sharing and editing, and various AI-based capabilities.
For users who wish to transfer their KML, KMZ, or “My Places” files, Google provides a guide on how to import your content into the web and mobile versions of Google Earth.
If you’ve never used it before, Google Earth Pro is essentially an interactive 3D globe that lets you explore almost any place on Earth via satellite images and 3D terrain. You can move through full 3D environments, measure distances and areas, see how locations have changed by going back in time, pin special areas of interest, and create your own maps with digital lines and shapes.
On top of some extra advanced features, the biggest benefit of Google Earth Pro is that you can use it offline. If you want to keep using it past the deadline, download it now for free while you still can.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.