WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive

BH #WEBWLG0160HB • MFR #WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
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WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
Key Features
  • 16TB 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 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive from WD provides users with up to 16TB 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 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive from WD provides users with up to 16TB 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 16TB 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: 718037879048

WD Desktop Specs

Key Specs
Total Capacity
16 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
16 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
1.98 lb / 0.9 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9 x 8 x 3.6"

WD Desktop Reviews

Good quality of external hard drive

By An
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-14

I bought this external hard drive to back up my photos. It worked fine, quit and fast.

Second WD Elements purchase is bad

By Sean
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-21

I purchased my first WD Elements 6TB on Walmart, and it went bad in a couple of months. I figured it was just bad luck, so I briefly mourned my lost purchase and got another one here from B&H at the beginning of March, 2026. Now it is April 21, 2026, and the new drive has gone bad, again out of the 30 day warranty time period. That is nearly $400 down the toilet for me, ensuring I will never buy a Western Digital product again.

See any errors on this page?

Warranty details please?? Is from manufacturer ...

Warranty details please?? Is from manufacturer directly or your offering warranty from your side?
Asked by: Manjunath
Included with the WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a 2-year USA warranty with WD.
Answered by: Geoff
Date published: 2022-02-18

can i use this drive for mac without ...

can i use this drive for mac without reformatting?
Asked by: Frederick
No, the WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is pre-formatted in a Windows specific format, so you would need to reformat the drive before you could use it with your Mac.
Answered by: Paige K
Date published: 2023-07-19

I see it can work with OS X, Sierra and High ...

I see it can work with OS X, Sierra and High Sierra. Can this be formatted to run with OS X 13 Ventura?
Asked by: Kenn
The WD Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is preformatted NTFS for Windows, but can be reformatted for MacOS.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2023-04-21

When the computer is off, how do I power off the ...

When the computer is off, how do I power off the drive?
Asked by: Edward
After you've properly ejected the WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive from your computer, you can turn off the drive by pressing the power button on the back of it.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-08-29

Are the 16 & 18 TB models 5400 or 7200 RPM?

Are the 16 & 18 TB models 5400 or 7200 RPM?
Asked by: Thomas
The manufacturer of these drives does not specify the RPM on their 16TB and 18TB elements external drives.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2020-12-29

Does this work with Mac?

Does this work with Mac?
Asked by: Kashi
Yes, the WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive BH #WEBWLG0160HB works with a Mac once it has been reformatted. It comes pre-formatted for Windows.
Answered by: Miguel M
Date published: 2021-10-27

How long is the power cord?

How long is the power cord?
Asked by: Edward
The WD 16TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (B&H # WEBWLG0160HB) power cord is 1.5m long.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-08-29

can I make a raid array out of two of these ...

can I make a raid array out of two of these drives?
Asked by: Jim
It would be possible to use a software solution to make a software raid from these external drives.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2022-07-08
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