Customer reviews from Western Digital
Western Digital - WD Elements WDBWLG0040HBK-NESN 4 TB Desktop Hard Drive - External - USB 3.0 - Retail - 1 - Black
Average customer rating
3.8
(43 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 43 reviews
5 Stars
25
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
4
1 Star
9
71%of customers recommend this product.
(
17 out of
24)
Customer Reviews for Western Digital - WD Elements WDBWLG0040HBK-NESN 4 TB Desktop Hard Drive - External - USB 3.0 - Retail - 1 - Black
Customer Rating
1
Three WD Elements Failed
on May 14, 2025
Posted by: samanth
I’ve been using the 6TB WD Element as an external hard drive for my work as a full time wedding photographer since 2018. I guess I just stuck with what I knew, but I should have left this model behind the first time it failed me. This HD is super sensitive to being unexpectedly ejected. On the few occasions that power has gone out and shut down my desktop, it has unmounted and will not mount to the desktop again. Despite a lot of trouble shooting, the hard drive is useless and my photos are inaccessible. I’m tired of the near misses and continued problems with this hard drive.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS Team, August 5, 2025
Hi, We're sorry to hear that the drive did not meet your expectations. Please accept my sincere apologies for the experience that you had to go through. This is not the service we ever want for our customers.
If your product is still under warranty, we would like the chance to make it right. Please reach out to our support team by opening a ticket at (https://support-en.wd.com/app/askweb) so we can look into it and explore a possible replacement (if needed) or a solution for you.
If your product is still under warranty, we would like the chance to make it right. Please reach out to our support team by opening a ticket at (https://support-en.wd.com/app/askweb) so we can look into it and explore a possible replacement (if needed) or a solution for you.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
1
Horribly slow , not as advertised
on February 27, 2022
Posted by: Bryce martiny
I thinks it was horrible service, they really talked up their product and it under delivered
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS, March 14, 2022
Hello,
We regret to learn that your WD Elements Desktop External Hard drive is not performing as expected. Slow performance can be caused due to several factors like computer configuration, multiple applications running on the computer while trying to access or backup the data, fragmented disk which may also result in slow computer disk read capability, the total amount of data on a disk and the relative size of each file, encrypted backup or scanning of each file by anti-virus installed in the computer or USB port of the computer with which the drive is connected etc.
Stopping applications and software that use CPU and memory, keeping all the files in a single directory instead spreading them in multiple directories, connecting the drive directly to the USB 3.0 port of the computer and avoiding the USB hub while using the drive, etc. are the recommended steps to enhance the performance of the drive.
As a troubleshooting step, please ensure that the Hard Drive is connected directly on the USB 3.0 port of the computer and the files which you are attempting to copy are not in use by any other program of the computer.
Furthermore, you can also refer to the link suggested below and check for the Theoretical USB Interface Speeds to find out the theoretical speed given by different USB port types.
"Theoretical USB Interface Speeds":
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5043
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. Please contact us via the phone with reference to the review to ensure an overall good experience with Western Digital.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
We regret to learn that your WD Elements Desktop External Hard drive is not performing as expected. Slow performance can be caused due to several factors like computer configuration, multiple applications running on the computer while trying to access or backup the data, fragmented disk which may also result in slow computer disk read capability, the total amount of data on a disk and the relative size of each file, encrypted backup or scanning of each file by anti-virus installed in the computer or USB port of the computer with which the drive is connected etc.
Stopping applications and software that use CPU and memory, keeping all the files in a single directory instead spreading them in multiple directories, connecting the drive directly to the USB 3.0 port of the computer and avoiding the USB hub while using the drive, etc. are the recommended steps to enhance the performance of the drive.
As a troubleshooting step, please ensure that the Hard Drive is connected directly on the USB 3.0 port of the computer and the files which you are attempting to copy are not in use by any other program of the computer.
Furthermore, you can also refer to the link suggested below and check for the Theoretical USB Interface Speeds to find out the theoretical speed given by different USB port types.
"Theoretical USB Interface Speeds":
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5043
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. Please contact us via the phone with reference to the review to ensure an overall good experience with Western Digital.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
2
So disappointed
on December 23, 2023
Posted by: Petko
20tb wd elements
Works noisily and in a few seconds a scraping sound is heard also it is quite slow everything is squeaky plastic does not look at all reliable!!!
Works noisily and in a few seconds a scraping sound is heard also it is quite slow everything is squeaky plastic does not look at all reliable!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS, December 27, 2023
Hello,
We're sorry to hear about your user experience with WD Elements Desktop Hard Drives and appreciate your time for providing the review.
Hard drives produce some noise when they work. The amount and kind of noise depend on what the hard drive is doing like reading or writing data. It's good to know which sounds are normal and which might mean there's a problem with the hard drive.
For more information on the causes of hard drive noise please see the mentioned links:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/32906
Please be informed that slow performance can be caused due to several factors like computer configuration, multiple applications running on the computer while trying to access or backup the data, fragmented disk which may also result in slow computer disk read capability, the total amount of data on a disk and the relative size of each file, encrypted backup or scanning of each file by anti-virus installed in the computer or USB port of the computer with which the drive is connected etc.
Stopping applications and software that use CPU and memory, keeping all the files in a single directory instead spreading them in multiple directories, connecting the drive directly to the USB 3.0 port of the computer and avoiding the USB hub while using the drive, etc. are the recommended steps to enhance the performance of the drive.
As a troubleshooting step, please ensure that the Hard Drive is connected directly on the USB 3.0 port of the computer and the files which you are attempting to copy are not in use by any other program of the computer.
Furthermore, you can also refer to the link suggested below and check for the Theoretical USB Interface Speeds to find out the theoretical speed given by different USB port types.
"Theoretical USB Interface Speeds":
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5043
If you need any assistance then you could raise a concern ticket on the given link, the customer support team get back to you in a earliest possible time . Please refer to the link mentioned: https://support-en.wd.com/app/ask/session/
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. We would appreciate the opportunity to assist you further. You can contact us by phone below and provide your details.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
We're sorry to hear about your user experience with WD Elements Desktop Hard Drives and appreciate your time for providing the review.
Hard drives produce some noise when they work. The amount and kind of noise depend on what the hard drive is doing like reading or writing data. It's good to know which sounds are normal and which might mean there's a problem with the hard drive.
For more information on the causes of hard drive noise please see the mentioned links:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/32906
Please be informed that slow performance can be caused due to several factors like computer configuration, multiple applications running on the computer while trying to access or backup the data, fragmented disk which may also result in slow computer disk read capability, the total amount of data on a disk and the relative size of each file, encrypted backup or scanning of each file by anti-virus installed in the computer or USB port of the computer with which the drive is connected etc.
Stopping applications and software that use CPU and memory, keeping all the files in a single directory instead spreading them in multiple directories, connecting the drive directly to the USB 3.0 port of the computer and avoiding the USB hub while using the drive, etc. are the recommended steps to enhance the performance of the drive.
As a troubleshooting step, please ensure that the Hard Drive is connected directly on the USB 3.0 port of the computer and the files which you are attempting to copy are not in use by any other program of the computer.
Furthermore, you can also refer to the link suggested below and check for the Theoretical USB Interface Speeds to find out the theoretical speed given by different USB port types.
"Theoretical USB Interface Speeds":
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5043
If you need any assistance then you could raise a concern ticket on the given link, the customer support team get back to you in a earliest possible time . Please refer to the link mentioned: https://support-en.wd.com/app/ask/session/
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. We would appreciate the opportunity to assist you further. You can contact us by phone below and provide your details.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
1
Not worth it
on July 25, 2024
Posted by: Raya
I brought this and in 6 months, it stopped working. I can't access it at all. I have tons of pics and videos gone. I cried for two weeks, thinking I was storing my memories in a good place.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS, July 30, 2024
Hello Raya,
We are sorry to hear about your user experience with WD Elements Desktop and appreciate your time providing this review and bringing this matter to our attention.
We recommend you to kindly let us know the complete issue in detail along with the error screenshot, so that the technical team can help troubleshoot the issue and address the concern. You can open a support ticket at https://support-en.wd.com/app/askweb the customer support team get back to you in a earliest possible time.
We are sorry to hear about your user experience with WD Elements Desktop and appreciate your time providing this review and bringing this matter to our attention.
We recommend you to kindly let us know the complete issue in detail along with the error screenshot, so that the technical team can help troubleshoot the issue and address the concern. You can open a support ticket at https://support-en.wd.com/app/askweb the customer support team get back to you in a earliest possible time.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
5
Rock Solid Dependability
on June 12, 2024
Posted by: Dave in Houston
I purchased the WD 6TB Elements Desktop drive in April 2021. It's now June 2024 and the drive is performing great. I already had a WD 4TB My Book drive but was getting close to running out of space for my music, photos, videos, and documents. I've been using these drives every day for about 6 hours and both drives are still performing like new. My 4TB My Book has over 22,000 runtime hours and my 6TB Elements has over 14,000 runtime hours.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
1
not really
on January 28, 2025
Posted by: Matoos
This device never worked from day one and I get no Tech suoport either!
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS, February 28, 2025
Hi Matoos, We are sorry for the inconvenience and for the delayed response. We are unable to locate you in our system with the information provided. Therefore, we request you to open a support ticket at https://support-en.wd.com/app/ask/session/, our customer support team will contact you as soon as possible. We will be happy to assist you.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
1
crap
on January 31, 2025
Posted by: the wd hater
wont even turn on no matter what you do its crap and dont buy it go with sandisk
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS, March 4, 2025
Hi, We apologize for the inconvenience and delayed response. We recommend that you please get in touch with our technical support team directly at https://support-en.wd.com/app/askweb to elaborate on the issue along with possible error screenshots. This way, the team can help address your concern. We will be happy to assist you.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital
Customer Rating
1
Drive Failure
on December 13, 2021
Posted by: jeremyb123
I've had this drive for a couple of years as a drive that I would occasionally connect for backups. No heavy usage. Sitting on a desk. No drops or power surges. Yesterday, it suddenly crapped out mid-use. I have the 4TB model with less than 1TB of data on it. All my photos and videos since 2009 and some important documents. The drive just stopped working and, when I tried to reconnect, it sounds like it is booting normally then starts to makes an ultra high-pitched noise. It stops, then it sounds like it is booting again normally then it just shuts off (lights and all). It never mounts. And now I'm faced with a massive bill if I want to recover my data, and there is no guarantee that the data can be recovered. I've had it for 2 to 3 years with very light use. As you can imagine, I am quite upset.
Response from Western DigitalBy SM OLS Team, December 15, 2021
Hello,
We're sorry to hear about your user experience with the WD Elements Desktop and appreciate your time for providing this review.
We were unable to locate you in our system with the information provided in the review therefore we request you give us a call so that we can gather more information to isolate the issue and provide an appropriate resolution. We'd be happy to help.
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. Please contact us via the phone with reference to the review to ensure an overall good experience with Western Digital.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
We're sorry to hear about your user experience with the WD Elements Desktop and appreciate your time for providing this review.
We were unable to locate you in our system with the information provided in the review therefore we request you give us a call so that we can gather more information to isolate the issue and provide an appropriate resolution. We'd be happy to help.
All our products must pass our stringent quality standards before leaving our factory to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind our products throughout the device's factory warranty period. Please contact us via the phone with reference to the review to ensure an overall good experience with Western Digital.
Need Help? Please see our "'Contact Us" page for information.
Written by a customer while visiting Western Digital