The answer from WD support for me was:
"Thank you for contacting Western Digital Customer Service and Support. My name is Bill.
I understand that you would like to know more about the power switch on your WD Elements desktop device.
This power switch is designed to be used exclusively with WD Smartware Pro software for Windows.
However, this software is no longer available and is no longer distributed or supported. You can turn off the drive by unplugging the power cord after safely ejecting the drive from your computer."
This means that without the software mentioned above, you should no longer press the button on the back of "Elements".
PS: With Windows 10, since version 1809, it is no longer necessary to safely remove USB hard drives with "Eject". Since then, if you are no longer accessing the hard drive, you can simply unplug it.
https://www.deskmodder.de/blog/2019/04/07/usb-sticks-und-externe-festplatten-schnell-entfernen-ist-nun-standard-ab-windows-10-1809/
Some manufactures really have recommended limitations when it comes to the size of the attached USB-drives. For example: https://www.lg.com/uk/support/product-help/CT00008334-1435837452345. You can check your TV-user manual for such limitations. Feedbacks like https://www.lgwebos.com/topic/7956-2tb-limitation-for-external-usb-hard-drive-is-that-a-real-limitation/ might also be helpful.
Hier hats jemand aufgeschraubt und gibt Infos an: https://goughlui.com/2019/12/19/quick-review-western-digital-elements-10tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive/
Housing made of plastic. When logged in, the disc runs; once logged out, it does not run (formatted for iMac). Doesn't get very warm. I am satisfied with it.
The hard drive does not switch on automatically when it is connected to the power supply as it has an on/off switch. You can therefore switch it on and off manually, which is suitable for use with SmartSwitch for backups.
The hard drive uses CMR technology (Conventional Magnetic Recording) and has a speed of 7200 rpm.
These specifications are typical for the Western Digital Elements Desktop 8 TB models, which are designed for high performance and reliability. The 7200 rpm provides faster data access compared to slower 5400 rpm models. CMR technology is preferred for desktop hard drives as it offers better write performance and compatibility.
Unfortunately, the available product data does not explicitly state the recording technology (CMR or SMR) or the speed, but based on the model type and the usual features of WD Elements Desktop 8 TB hard drives, 7200 rpm and CMR is very likely.
The connection type of the external hard drive is a Micro-B connector. It is supplied with a micro USB to USB-A cable to establish a connection to a USB-A port.
I notice that too. I don't know of a real alternative. Another negative thing I notice is that the large discs cannot be password-protected with the WD software. I have now encrypted them with Veracrypt. I still have an older My Book with 9TB, which is quieter and can be password-protected. But for over 20TB I have stocked up with WD Elements, so I can't help.
In this case, we will refer you to our Galaxus Assistant, which provides direct contact options so that you can be helped accordingly.
https://www.digitec.ch/help
I haven't had any problems so far. Of course, it's a mechanical hard drive, which is sometimes a little audible when it's running. Otherwise, exchange it...
Einfach mal Dr. Google fragen:
https://documents.westerndigital.com/content/dam/doc-library/de_de/assets/public/wd/product/external-storage/wd_elements/wd_elements_desktop/product-overview-wd-elements-desktop.pdf
Demnach ist unter iOS eine Neuformatierung erforderlich.
Sali calanda61
The sounds that the USB HDD makes vary from person to person.
I can only explain my point of view.
Yes, it is audible. If the HDD is placed on a hollow body such as a carcass, etc., the whole thing is amplified even more.
Not for rooms where it has to be quiet.
But if the volume changes over time, I would still consider filing a warranty claim.
The HDD should not be louder than it is now when it is idle or in use (R/W).
I hope I was able to help you.
Greetings Master870
We do not have an original replacement power supply in our range, but any 12V, 1.5A power supply with a 5.5mm plug such as Goobay 3 V - 12 V universal power supply 1.5A can be used.
Yes, these HDDs need a power supply unit; this is included with the product. If you want an external USB HDD without an additional power supply, you have to take a 2.5" HDD, but they are only available up to 5TB.