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WD 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive

BH #WEWDBWLG0040 • MFR #WDBWLG0040HBK-NESN
1,221 reviews
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WD 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
Key Features
  • 4TB Storage Capacity
  • Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
  • AC Powered
  • USB 2.0 Compatible
Preformatted NTFS for systems running Windows 10 or later, the 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive from WD provides users with up to 4TB of add-on storage for their photos, videos, music, documents, and other files. It features a 5 Gb/s micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1 or 3.0, and is backward 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.
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WD Desktop Overview

Preformatted NTFS for systems running Windows 10 or later, the 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive from WD provides users with up to 4TB of add-on storage for their photos, videos, music, documents, and other files. It features a 5 Gb/s micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1 or 3.0, and is backward 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.

Generous Capacity
Experience seamless storage expansion with up to 4TB of space. Elevate your storage capabilities with easy access to your cherished photos, music, videos, and files, seamlessly archived, and readily accessible in one reliable device.
Plug-and-Play Expandability
Simplify your data backup routine with a plug-and-play hard drive. Archive your important files and documents effortlessly, helping to keep your valuable data protected.
Transfer Faster
Experience fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 1, enabling you to quickly transfer and access your files with ease.
Plug-and-Play Simplicity
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.
UPC: 718037832340

WD Desktop Specs

Key Specs
Total Capacity
4 TB
Drive Type
3.5" HDD
Default OS Support
Windows
*Alternate OS Support via Re-Format
System Connection
Micro-USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
Total Capacity
4 TB
Drive Type
3.5" HDD
Performance
Default OS Support
Windows
*Alternate OS Support via Re-Format
Encryption Support
No
External Enclosure
System Connection
Micro-USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
Material
Plastic
Fan Cooled
No
Impact Resistance
No
Environmental Resistance
No
Electrical
Power Source
Included AC Adapter
Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
General
Operating Conditions
41 to 95°F / 5 to 35°C
Storage Conditions
-4 to 149°F / -20 to 65°C
Dimensions
6.53 x 5.31 x 1.89" / 165.86 x 134.87 x 48.01 mm
Weight
2.01 lb / 0.91 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.05 x 8.05 x 3.6"

WD Desktop Reviews

Reliable Affordable Storage

By Josh
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-07-10

First off, it was a really great deal given how expensive digital storage has gotten lately. Like any other storage drives we just needed to reformat to exFat, and because they're disk drives I use them more for backup file storage, not for actually editing directly from.

Exactly what I wanted, transactions as promised by B&H

By Linda
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-11

I'm archiving music and photos and wanted a large, simple, no-nonsense external hard drive for storage. The WD 6TB Elements desktop hard drive suits my needs perfectly. B&H handled and shipped the order smoothly as promised, and the plug and play hard drive (with security options) worked perfectly. Very happy and more comfortable than storing everything on a cloud.

See any errors on this page?

question

Is it compatitble with XP?
Asked by: Anonymous
No. The WD 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2021-12-17

question

Will this allow me to transfer data from a windows computer to a mac?
Asked by: NEIL W.
Yes, however the WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive would require reformatting to do so.
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2021-12-17

question

I need a replacement power cord for this item are they available from B&H?
Asked by: Robert F.
B&H does not carry the replacement power supply for the drive. You can purchase this directly from WD though.
Answered by: Geoffrey N.
Date published: 2018-08-25

Will this work on macbook pro and catalina?

Will this work on macbook pro and catalina?
Asked by: Deanna
I'm sure. Just format it using Disk Utilities, in your Applications under utilities. It's just a Hard drive.
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2020-07-03

compatible with windows 11?

compatible with windows 11?
Asked by: John
Yes, the WD 4TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive BH #WEWDBWLG0040 is compatible with Windows 11.
Answered by: Miguel M
Date published: 2023-09-08

question

How do you safely turn it off?
Asked by: Anonymous
It is very simple, on a Windows machine you will see an icon on your bottom right Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media Click on it and select Eject WD Elements you will receive a message saying the USB device was safely ejected. From this point you may simply unplug the drive and turn it off.
Answered by: Samanta D.
Date published: 2018-08-25

Can I connect this 4tb hard drive to USB port ...

Can I connect this 4tb hard drive to USB port from Panasonic Blu ray Player and play video on Tv Screen ?
Asked by: IBRAHIM
You would need to check if your Blu Ray player can accept external storage devices. Please check with the manufacturer.
Answered by: Nilson D
Date published: 2020-10-02

question

This drive's specifications seem to be the same as this one's: WD 4TB My Book USB 3.0 External Hard DriveHowever, the former is about USD 45 more expensive than the latter. Do you know why?
Asked by: Marcelo
In general, the Elements drives are more economical. Our pricing is however based on many factors. For example when we can get a discount on MyBooks from our distributor, we pass that along to our customers.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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