This article covers ウエスタンデジタル(Western Digital) WD ポータブルHDD 4TB USB Type-C シルバー My Passport Ultra 暗号化 パスワード保護 外付けハードディスク.

Overview

The Western Digital My Passport Ultra 4TB (model WDBFTM0040BSL-WESN) is a portable external hard drive aimed at users who need reliable, high-capacity backup storage on the go. It comes with a USB Type-C connector out of the box, along with a USB 3.0 adapter for older machines, making it broadly compatible with modern laptops and desktops alike. The silver aluminum-like finish gives it a premium look that blends well with a sleek workstation.
Security is a major selling point: hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption combined with password protection ensures your files remain private even if the drive is lost or stolen. The included WD Backup software lets you schedule automatic backups of photos, videos, and documents, so you don't have to think about it.
Positioned in the mid-range portable HDD segment, the My Passport Ultra offers a compelling mix of capacity, security, and ease of use at a price that's hard to beat for bulk storage. With a 3-year limited warranty and Western Digital's reputation for reliability, it's a solid choice for everyday backup.

Compatibility Guide

The drive uses a USB Type-C interface and is compatible with USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) and USB 2.0. A USB 3.0 Type-A adapter is included, so you can connect to older laptops or desktop PCs without a USB-C port. It's pre-formatted as NTFS for Windows 10 and 8.1, ready to use right out of the box.
If you need to use the drive with a Mac, you'll need to reformat it—the stock NTFS format is read-only on macOS. You can use Disk Utility to change it to exFAT (compatible with both Windows and Mac) or APFS (Mac only). Note that reformatting will erase all data on the drive, so do this before storing anything important.
The drive is bus-powered, meaning it draws power from the USB port—no separate AC adapter needed. This makes it very portable, but be aware that some low-power USB hubs may not provide enough juice. For the most reliable operation, plug it directly into your computer's USB port.

Product Info

The My Passport Ultra 4TB has been on the market for several years but remains a popular choice thanks to its consistent performance and reliable feature set. Pricing typically falls in the ¥6,000–¥8,000 range (approximately $40–$55 USD), making it one of the more affordable 4TB portable drives available. The color option is silver. A 3-year limited manufacturer warranty is included.
From a market-position standpoint, this drive sits in the entry-to-mid tier. It costs far less than a 4TB external SSD, making it ideal for bulk storage where speed isn't critical. Sequential read/write speeds are typical for a 2.5-inch mechanical HDD—around 100–120 MB/s—which is adequate for backups and media storage but not for active workflows.
Key specs include: 4 TB capacity, 2.5-inch form factor, USB 3.0/USB-C interface, NTFS format, 256-bit AES hardware encryption, WD Backup software, and a weight of about 210 g.

Best Use Cases

  1. Photographers and videographers needing bulk storage
    RAW photo files and 4K video footage quickly consume terabytes. The 4TB capacity gives you plenty of room to offload projects, and the automatic backup software keeps your work safe. However, editing directly from this HDD will be slow—use an SSD for active work and the My Passport Ultra for archival storage.
  2. Mobile workers expanding laptop storage
    If your ultrabook has limited internal storage, this USB-C portable drive is an easy plug-and-play solution. No external power, compact size, and password protection make it great for travel. Just be sure to enable encryption if you carry sensitive documents.
  3. Budget-conscious users needing maximum capacity
    At this price point, an external SSD would only provide 1–2 TB. If you need raw capacity for backups, movies, or game libraries (where load times aren't critical), this HDD offers the best bang for your buck. Avoid using it for active game installations if you value fast loading.

Things to Consider

The main trade-off is speed: as a mechanical hard drive, the My Passport Ultra is significantly slower than any SSD. Transferring thousands of small files can be painfully slow, and it's not suitable as a boot drive or for real-time editing.
Physical fragility is another concern. While the drive is reasonably durable for a portable HDD, it's still vulnerable to drops and shocks. Always carry it in a padded case and avoid using it while moving.
Mac users must reformat before full read/write support. If you plan to use the drive with both Windows and Mac, formatting to exFAT is recommended—but be aware that exFAT can be slightly more prone to corruption if not ejected properly.
Competitor alternatives include Seagate Backup Plus Portable and Toshiba Canvio series. They offer similar specs, but the My Passport Ultra stands out with its hardware encryption and user-friendly backup software. Still, prices

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: ウエスタンデジタル(Western Digital)
  • Seller: 【売り切りセール中】きたさんショップ
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon
  • ASIN: B07GK2PC5V
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.