Does this My Passport work on a Mac straight out of the box?
It comes formatted NTFS for Windows and works as is on Windows 10 or later and on ChromeOS. On macOS 11 or later, plan for the downloadable NTFS driver or a reformat of the drive before copying your files to it.
Does the supplied cable plug into a computer that only has USB-C ports?
The supplied cable is USB-A SuperSpeed, with Micro-B at the drive end. On a laptop that only has USB-C ports, you will need a USB-A to USB-C adapter; on all other machines, it plugs in directly.
Do you really get 1,000 GB once the drive is connected?
Slightly less. 1 TB = one trillion bytes: the capacity actually usable is lower and varies with the operating environment. That is the manufacturer's method of calculation, not a product defect.
It is a mechanical drive: what precautions should you take?
It is a 2.5-inch platter drive, to be handled with care: do not shake it or drop it, and above all do not move it while it is running. Shocks and vibrations are what damage this type of product.
How can I protect my data if I lose the drive or it is stolen?
The drive has built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption: turn on password protection with the included software and the contents become unreadable without that password. Note that it is not enabled out of the box — it is up to you to turn it on.
Is the backup software already installed, or does it need to be downloaded?
It has to be downloaded and installed: the drive gives access to Acronis True Image for Western Digital, which schedules backups and adds ransomware protection. Installing it means accepting its terms and conditions and may require a user account.
What speed can you expect, and what happens on an old USB 2.0 port?
The interface is USB 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed), i.e. up to 5 Gbps, and the supplied cable already meets this standard: nothing extra to buy to reach that speed. The drive remains USB 2.0 compatible: it works on an older machine, but at that standard's speed.
Can it be used with a Chromebook?
Yes. It is ChromeOS compatible and certified by Google as meeting its compatibility standards, with the “Works With Chromebook” badge. Compatibility may vary depending on the user's hardware configuration and operating system.
Does it really fit in a pocket for travelling?
Yes: at 107 × 75 × 11 mm and 120 g, it slips unnoticed into a bag pocket. It is rated to operate between 5 and 35 °C and to withstand -20 to 65 °C when not in use: even so, avoid leaving it in a car in full sun.
What exactly is in the box of the My Passport 1 TB?
The portable drive, the USB-A SuperSpeed cable (5 Gbps), the quick installation guide and access to the management and backup software with password protection. The password and scheduled backups are turned on from this software.
Does this drive have any environmental benefits, and which certifications does it hold?
Its casing is made of more than 50% post-consumer recycled plastic and its packaging, fully recyclable, of more than 50% post-consumer recycled pulp. On compliance: CE, FCC-ICES, UKCA, RCM, VCCI, BSMI and EAC.
Is this Western Digital drive new and under warranty?
Yes: a
new and genuine Western Digital drive, reference
WDBYVG0010BBK-WESN, supplied with its invoice, which serves as the warranty document for
1 year. The
datasheet (PDF) lists all of the model's specifications.
