Western Digital WD Portable Hard Drive
Bottom line: The Western Digital WD Portable Hard Drive ($169.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps data locked if the drive is lost; main trade-off: comes formatted as NTFS; using it on a Mac needs a reformat that wipes the drive.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps data locked if the drive is lost
- ✓ Password protection blocks people who shouldn't have access
- ✓ 2TB capacity handles full laptop backups and large photo libraries
- ✓ USB 3.0, and also works in USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports
- ✓ 3-year Western Digital manufacturer warranty
Cons
- ✗ Comes formatted as NTFS; using it on a Mac needs a reformat that wipes the drive
- ✗ USB Micro-B port on the drive instead of USB-C
- ✗ Included cable is USB-A; USB-C-only laptops need an adapter
- ✗ Official Windows support lists only Windows 10 and 8.1
Manufacturer description
The Western Digital My Passport 2TB portable hard drive gives you a compact place to back up files, store photo libraries and carry project archives between machines. Security is built in. AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection keep the data on the drive locked if you lose it or leave it behind. It connects over USB 3.0 using the included USB-A to USB Micro-B cable. It also works in USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports, so older laptops and desktops can still use it. The drive comes formatted as NTFS for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, so it is ready to plug in on…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital WD Portable Hard Drive using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Western Digital's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the WD My Passport 2TB work with a Mac?
Yes, but it has to be reformatted first. The drive comes formatted as NTFS for Windows, and Western Digital says a reformat is required for Mac OS X. Reformatting erases the drive, so do it before you store any files.
What cable comes with this drive, and what ports does it work with?
It includes a USB-A to USB Micro-B cable. The drive uses USB 3.0 and also works in USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports. If your computer only has USB-C ports, you will need an adapter or a different cable.
How does the encryption on this drive work?
The My Passport uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption plus password protection. Without the password, someone who finds or takes the drive can't read the files on it.
How long is the warranty on the WD My Passport 2TB?
Western Digital includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Warranty service can vary by region, so check the product listing and Western Digital's support site for the terms where you live.
Which versions of Windows does this drive support?
The listed supported versions are Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, and the drive comes formatted as NTFS for them. For other Windows versions, check Western Digital's current compatibility information before you buy.
Key Features
- Capacity: 2TB
- Supported OS (Windows): Windows 10,8.1
- Compatible OS (Mac): Mac OS X *Please reformat it is required for use with Mac
- Connection Standard/Drive Format: USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB3.2 Gen1 / USB3.1 Gen1 / USB 2.0) (USB-A to USB Micro-B cable included) / NTFS
- Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Capacity | 2TB |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | WDBYVG0020BWT-WESN |
| Compatibility | Mac |
| Built-In Media | cables |
| Hard-Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | WDBYVG0020BWT-WESN |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Non-slip |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Additional Features | Non-slip |
| Compatible OS (Mac) | Mac OS X *Please reformat it is required for use with Mac |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 inches |
| Full listing title | WD Portable Hard Drive, 2TB USB3.0, White, My Passport Encryption, Password Protection, External Hard Disk / WDBYVG0020BWT-WESN |
Ready to buy?
WD Portable Hard Drive, 2TB USB3.0, White, My Passport Encryption, Password Protection, External Hard Disk / WDBYVG0020BWT-WESN is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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