This article covers My Book 4TB USB EMEA.

Overview

The WD My Book 4TB is a desktop external hard drive designed for users who need reliable, high-capacity storage. With a USB 3.0 interface, it offers transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0. The 4TB capacity provides ample space for photos, videos, music, and documents, making it an excellent choice for backup and archiving.
Out of the box, the drive is formatted in NTFS and works out of the box with Windows. Mac users will need to reformat it for full read/write support. The included WD Backup software allows you to schedule automatic backups, and the 256-bit AES hardware encryption keeps your data secure with password protection.
Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range external storage solution, the My Book 4TB is ideal for personal use, home offices, and small businesses that need straightforward, dependable backup without complex network setup.

Compatibility Guide

The My Book 4TB connects via USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) and is compatible with USB 2.0 ports. It requires an external AC power adapter—it is not bus-powered. The internal drive is a 3.5-inch HDD.
Supported operating systems: Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows Vista (NTFS). For Mac OS X, reformatting is required (e.g., exFAT or HFS+). The drive is not designed for use with game consoles or smart TVs; compatibility may vary.

Product Info

Released by Western Digital, the My Book 4TB is widely available through major retailers. The price typically ranges around ¥50,000–¥55,000 in Japan. The warranty period is usually 2 years.
Key specs: 4TB capacity, USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) interface, 3.5-inch form factor, external power supply, 256-bit AES hardware encryption, bundled backup software. Power consumption is not officially listed but is typical for a desktop external HDD.
Market positioning: entry-level to mid-range. It focuses on ease of use and security, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize data safety and simplicity over speed or portability.

Best Use Cases

  • Creative professionals needing archival storage: The 4TB capacity is great for storing large media files like RAW photos and 4K video footage. USB 3.0 provides acceptable transfer speeds for occasional access. However, it is not suitable as a working drive for active projects—consider an SSD for that.
  • Home users who want automatic backups: The included software makes it easy to set up scheduled backups of important files. The password protection adds an extra layer of security against theft or loss.
  • Small office file storage: Use it as a shared drive for documents and project files when connected to a single PC. For multi-user access, a NAS would be more appropriate.

Things to Consider

The My Book 4TB is a desktop drive that requires a power outlet, so it is not portable. The internal HDD is likely 5400 RPM, resulting in lower read/write speeds compared to SSDs or 7200 RPM drives. Frequent file operations may feel sluggish.
Mac users must reformat the drive, which erases all data. Ensure you have a backup of any existing files before reformatting.
Competitors include Seagate Backup Plus Hub and Toshiba Canvio. Compare pricing, bundled software, and warranty terms before purchasing.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this drive with a Mac without reformatting?
A: No, the drive is pre-formatted as NTFS. Macs can read NTFS but not write to it. You'll need to reformat to exFAT or HFS+ for full read/write access. This will erase all data on the drive.
Q: Is the WD Backup software mandatory?
A: No, you can use the drive as a standard external HDD without installing any software. The software is provided for convenience and offers automated backup scheduling.
Q: Does this drive work with PlayStation 4 or Xbox One?
A: It may be recognized by some consoles, but performance and compatibility are not guaranteed. For game consoles, dedicated external drives with USB 3.0 and proper formatting are recommended.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: ウエスタンデジタル(Western Digital)
  • Seller: GREENAPPLE！！
  • Fulfilled by: GREENAPPLE！！
  • ASIN: B01LZHJ77Q
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.