WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive - 18TB - WDBWLG0180HBK-EESN

Experience the dependability and spacious storage of the WD Elements desktop hard drive. Benefit f...

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Product Information

Full details

The WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive (18TB) is designed for users needing a vast, straightforward storage solution to manage large digital collections and improve PC performance. Its impressive capacity and plug-and-play functionality for Windows PCs make data backups and freeing up internal drive space incredibly easy. However, users of operating systems other than Windows may need to reformat the drive before first use.

All features

SeriesElements
Model Part NumberWDBWLG0180HBK-EESN
BrandWestern Digital

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Is this drive compatible with macOS?

Yes, it is compatible with macOS, but you will likely need to reformat the drive to a Mac-compatible file system (such as HFS+ or APFS) using Disk Utility. Please note that reformatting will erase any pre-loaded content.

Does the drive require an external power source?

Yes, the WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive requires an external AC power adaptor, which is included in the box, to operate.

What is the actual usable storage capacity of the 18TB drive?

Due to differences in how storage capacity is calculated (decimal vs. binary), the actual usable capacity will be slightly less than 18TB, typically around 16.3 TB, once formatted by your operating system. This is normal for all hard drives.

Can I use this drive to store games?

Yes, you can store games on this drive. For optimal performance, especially for actively played games, an internal drive or a faster external SSD might be preferred. However, for archiving game installations or playing less demanding titles, this drive is suitable.

How do I perform a backup with this drive?

You can use your operating system's built-in backup features (like File History on Windows) or simply drag-and-drop files and folders directly onto the drive. For more advanced backup solutions, third-party software can be used, though none is included with the drive.

Are there any indicators on the drive?

The drive typically features a small LED indicator that illuminates when the drive is powered on and flashes during data transfer activity.

Troubleshooting

Drive not recognized or detected by computer

Ensure the AC adaptor is securely plugged into both the drive and a working wall outlet. Check that the USB cable is firmly connected to both the drive and your computer. Try using a different USB port on your computer or a different USB cable if available. If on a non-Windows OS, confirm reformatting has been completed.

Slow data transfer speeds

Verify that the drive is connected to a USB 3.0 (or higher) port on your computer. USB 2.0 ports will result in significantly slower speeds. Close any unnecessary applications running in the background that might be consuming system resources or disk bandwidth.

Drive works on one computer but not another (e.g., Mac)

The drive is pre-formatted for Windows. If using macOS or Linux, you will need to reformat the drive to a compatible file system (e.g., HFS+ for Mac, ext4 for Linux) using your operating system's disk utility tool. Warning: Reformatting will erase all data on the drive.

Drive disconnecting randomly

Check all cable connections (power and USB) to ensure they are secure. Try connecting the drive to a different USB port or a different power outlet. Ensure your computer's power management settings are not configured to turn off USB devices to save power.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very large 18TB storage capacity for extensive data archiving
  • Fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.0/3.2 Gen 1
  • Simple plug-and-play setup for Windows PCs
  • Backward compatible with USB 2.0 for wider usability
  • Built with Western Digital's reputation for reliability
  • Helps improve PC performance by offloading internal drive data

Cons

  • Requires an external AC power source
  • May require reformatting for use with macOS or Linux systems
  • Not portable due to its desktop design and power requirement
  • No mention of included backup software

Setup

  1. Unpack Contents: Remove the hard drive, AC adaptor, and USB cable from the packaging.
  2. Connect Power: Plug the AC adaptor into the drive's power port and then into a wall outlet.
  3. Connect USB: Plug one end of the included USB cable into the drive's USB port and the other end into an available USB port on your computer.
  4. Power On: The drive typically powers on automatically when connected to a powered-on computer. No additional power button is usually present.
  5. Initial Recognition: For Windows PCs, the drive should be recognized automatically and appear in 'This PC' or 'My Computer' within moments.

Compatibility

  • Operating Systems: Fully compatible with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 out of the box. For other operating systems, such as macOS or Linux, reformatting the drive may be required for full functionality.
  • USB Standards: Compatible with both USB 3.0 (also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1) for optimal speeds and backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, albeit at slower transfer rates.

Care

  • Placement: Place the drive on a stable, flat surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive vibrations.
  • Airflow: Ensure proper airflow around the drive to prevent overheating. Do not block the vents (if any).
  • Cleaning: Gently wipe the exterior with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
  • Disconnect Safely: Always use the 'Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media' option (Windows) or 'Eject' function (macOS) before disconnecting the USB cable to prevent data corruption.

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