Western Digital
Western Digital WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage
Bottom line: The Western Digital WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage: 24TB on one drive, enough to replace several smaller external drives; main trade-off: mechanical HDD, so random access is slower than an external SSD.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 24TB on one drive, enough to replace several smaller external drives
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, listed as compatible with USB 3.0 devices
- ✓ Plug-and-play setup makes routine file backups simple
- ✓ Described by Western Digital as shockproof
- ✓ Desktop form factor suits a permanent home-office or media archive
Cons
- ✗ Mechanical HDD, so random access is slower than an external SSD
- ✗ USB 3.2 Gen 1 tops out at 5Gbps, half the bandwidth of USB 3.2 Gen 2
- ✗ Desktop drive, not built to carry between locations
- ✗ Listing does not state drive RPM, cache size or sustained transfer speed
Manufacturer description
The WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage drive from Western Digital gives you one high-capacity home for photo libraries, music collections, video projects and everyday files. With 24TB on a single mechanical hard drive, you can combine several smaller external drives and keep years of archives in one place. Setup is plug and play. Connect the drive over USB 3.2 Gen 1 and it is ready for backups and file transfers. The listing confirms it works with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 devices, so it fits most desktops and laptops with a standard USB 3.0 port. Western Digital also describes the drive as…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage 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
Will the WD Elements 24TB work with my computer's USB 3.0 port?
Yes. Western Digital lists the drive as compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 devices, so a standard USB 3.0 port works.
Is the WD Elements 24TB an SSD or a hard drive?
It is a mechanical hard drive. That makes it a good fit for large archives and backups, but it is slower than an SSD for random access and launching applications.
Why does my computer show less than 24TB after I connect it?
Drive makers count 24TB in decimal units, while most operating systems report binary units. Your computer will show a lower number than 24TB even though the full capacity is there.
Do I need special software to start backing up files?
No. The drive is plug and play, so you can copy files to it as soon as it is connected. Check the product listing to see whether any backup software is included.
What warranty comes with the WD Elements 24TB Desktop drive?
Warranty terms are not given in this listing. Check the current Amazon listing or Western Digital's support site for the warranty that applies to this model.
Key Features
- Generous Capacity Experience seamless storage expansion with up to 24TB of storage. Expand your storage capacities with easy access to your precious photos, music, videos, and files that are seamlessly archived and easily accessible in a reliable device.
- Plug and Play Expandability Simplify your backup routine with a plug-and-play hard drive. Easily archive your important files and documents and protect your valuable data.
- Transfer Faster Experience fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 1, so you can transfer and access your files quickly and easily.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | WDBWLG0240HBK-EESN |
| Read Speed | 625 megabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Media Speed | [300-600] MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | WDBWLG0240HBK-EESN |
| Built-In Media | External Hard Drive |
| Hard-Drive Size | 24 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | 718037904535 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Desktop, Tablet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Full listing title | WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage - USB 3.0 Compatible - Additional Storage for Photos, Music, Videos and All Other Files - Shockproof - Mechanical Hard Drive - Black |
Ready to buy?
WD Elements 24TB Desktop Storage - USB 3.0 Compatible - Additional Storage for Photos, Music, Videos and All Other Files - Shockproof - Mechanical Hard Drive - Black 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.
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