Western Digital Elements 1 TB 2.5" USB 3.0 Black external hard drive

The WD Elements 1 TB is a Western Digital external hard drive in a compact black 2.5" case. USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0 compatible), powered from the USB port with no adapter. Inside is a 5400 rpm class 2.5" HDD.

1 TB is the most popular size for home backups: it holds several years of photos, document folders, music and a couple of dozen films. It is easy to carry with a laptop, and for a desktop it becomes a simple place for backups.

Who it is for

• Regular backups of photos, phone videos and work files.
• Extra space for a laptop whose built-in SSD is too small.
• A media library for a TV or media player.

Do not move the drive while it is running: like any HDD, it is sensitive to shocks. In winter, let the drive sit at room temperature for a few hours after delivery before switching it on, so no condensation forms inside.

How to connect the drive to a Mac or TV and which file system to choose is explained in External hard drive: what it is and how to choose one. Other capacities are in the external hard drives section.