Preformatted NTFS for systems running Windows 10 or later, the 12TB WD Elements USB 3.0 External Hard Drivefrom 12TB WD Elements USB 3.0 External Hard Driveprovides users with up to 12TB of add-on storage for their photos, videos, music, documents, and other files. It features a 5 Gb/s micro-USB 3.0 interface, which is also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or 3.1 Gen 1, and is compatible with 480 Mb/s USB 2.0. It is powered using an 100-240 VAC power adapter, includes a micro-USB to USB-A cable, and may be reformatted for use with other operating systems, such as macOS.

12TB Storage Capacity    Micro-USB 3.0 Interface (USB 3.1 Gen 1)    AC Powered    USB 2.0 Compatible    Pre-Formatted NTFS for Windows    May Be Reformatted    Includes micro-USB to USB-A Cable

The compact design offers a capacity of 12TB, making WD Elements desktop storage the ideal solution for easy, add-on storage of all your important photos, music, videos, and files.

When your internal hard drive is almost full, your system slows down. Don't delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements desktop storage and get your computer moving again.

The WD Elements drive works right out of the box with Windows 10 and later. Just plug it into a USB port to instantly add storage to your system.

With this single drive, you get compatibility with USB 3.0 devices and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices.

WD knows your data is important to you, so they built the drive inside to their demanding requirements for durability, shock tolerance, and reliability. Then, they protect the drive with a durable enclosure designed for style and protection.

This WD Elements Desktop hard drive is formatted NTFS and compatible with Windows 10 and later. It may also be reformatted for Mac.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What are the connectors on the USB cable that is included? I only have USB Type A connections on the computer and need to know if I need to get a different cable or not. (for the 18 GB version of this drive)

A: This WD Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive comes with a cable for USB 3.0 A connection to the computer. For connection to a USB-C port, you can use an adapter like this: https://bhpho.to/3hXnXKm .

Q: 2. What is the difference between the WD My Book and WD Elements external Hard drive?

A: The big difference will be that the WD My Book will have backup software while the WD Elements will not.

Q: 3. I need a replacement power cord for this item are they available from B&H?

A: B&H does not carry the replacement power supply for the drive. You can purchase this directly from WD though.

Q: 4. Will this connect to USB 2.0 port?

A: Yes, it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

Q: 5. What format should be used on this drive to make it accessible to Samsung tv and Denon receiver, both wireless on a network with all Mac computers?

A: Fat 32 would be the best option for cross compatibility amongst all devices.

Q: 6. Can I plug this into UK 3 pin with an adaptor or do I need to get a step down voltage convertor?

A: The WD 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive AC adapter would work perfectly the operating voltage 100V - 240V. But, please note: It would only come with a US plug.

Q: 7. Would my MacBook Pro read the drive? I bought the WD Easy Store and returned it back because my Mac couldn't read the drive at all.

A: Yes, the WD 4TB Elements Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive B&H # WEBU6Y0040BW is Mac compatible but only after you reformat it since it ships pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS).

Q: 8. Does this drive go into sleep mode with mac OS?

A: The WD Utilities can be used on MacOS to disable sleep mode on the WD 18TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0.

Q: 9. What is the real windows formatted size of a 20tb hard drive?

A: A real estimate of hard drive formatted memory would be an estimated 18TB on this WD 20TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Q: 10. What is the difference be the difference between the WD My Book and Elements?

A: WD My Book devices are preformatted as exFAT and come with a limited 3-year warranty. WD Elements devices are preformatted as NTFS and come with a limited 2-year warranty (worldwide) and a limited 3-year warranty (China).