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WD My Book 2TB External Desktop Hard Drive (USB 3.0/2.0)

4.1 out of 5 stars 292 ratings
Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
Digital storage capacity 2 TB
Connectivity technology USB
Brand Western Digital
Special feature portable
Hard disk form factor 3.5 Inches
Hard disk description Desktop
Compatible devices Desktop
Installation type External Hard Drive
Hard disk size 2 TB
Hard disk rotational speed 7200 RPM

About this item

  • portable
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Top Brand

Western Digital

93% positive ratings from 1K+ customers

10K+ recent orders from this brand

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Product information

Technical Details

Brand ‎Western Digital
Product Dimensions ‎4.8 x 13.49 x 16.51 cm; 1.18 kg
Item model number ‎WDBACW0020HBK-UESN
Manufacturer ‎Western Digital
Series ‎WD My Book
Form Factor ‎3.5-inch
Hard Drive Size ‎2 TB
Hard Disk Description ‎Desktop
Hard Disk Rotational Speed ‎7200 RPM
Number of USB 2.0 Ports ‎1
Are Batteries Included ‎No
Item Weight ‎1.18 kg
Guaranteed software updates until ‎unknown

Additional Information

ASIN B0047VOGOO
Customer Reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars 292 ratings

4.1 out of 5 stars
Date First Available 27 Oct. 2010

Warranty & Support

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WD My Book 2TB External Desktop Hard Drive (USB 3.0/2.0)

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Product description

Product Description

My Book Essential - Next Generation Storage and Backup

My Book External drives are the world's best selling drives. With 20 years of experience we know how to protect your data.

Put your digital life on the sleek, high capacity My Book Essential external hard drive. With WD quality and USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity, this drive is designed for today with tomorrow in mind.

Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0

If you're worried that your desktop drive won't be able to keep up with the tranfer rates of the future, then look no further than the My Book Essential. With the dual interface you'll have a single drive with both universal compatibility for today, and the next-generation speed you need for tomorrow. Use it with USB 2.0 now and step up to USB 3.0 speed when you're ready.

Up to 3x Faster Transfer Rates

When connected to a USB 3.0 port this drive lets you access and save files up to 3 times faster than USB 2.0. Imagine being able to transfer a 2-hour HD movie in just 5 minutes instead of 13 minutes.* Not only will this save you time and allow you to do other tasks, but it also makes your media that much more portable, available to be moved between locations or be transferred within minutes.

*Performance may vary based on user’s hardware and system configuration.

A single drive with universal compatibility today and next-generation speed for tomorrow.
WD Quality Inside and Out

For over 20 years, millions of people worldwide have trusted their data to WD hard drives. We are successful because we understand the importance of your data and our first concern is keeping that data safe.

WD SmartWare Software

You're in control of your backup. With our intuitive backup system you can decide how you approach securing your data for the future - you can install all the features, select just the components you need, or if you prefer, choose not to use the software at all.

Automatic, Continuous Backup

A backup system that works as you do, running quietly in the background to protect your data using minimal PC resources. Whenever you add or change a file it's instantly backed up, so you can be safe in the knowledge that if the worst happens, your stored data will let you carry on from only moments before.

WD SmartWare visual backup software provides a visual display of your backup as it happens so you know your data is safe.
Password Protection for Privacy

Data privacy is a big concern for many people. Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected from unauthorised access with password protection and encryption.

Planet Friendly

My Book external drives are designed to save energy. WD GreenPower Technology™ lowers internal drive power consumption by up to 30%; a sleep mode reduces power during idle times, and a power-saving feature turns the drive on and off with your computer.

Ideal for:
  • Connecting with your USB 2.0 port today and using with USB 3.0 when you’re ready
  • Transferring files up to three times faster when connected to a USB 3.0 port
  • Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backup
  • Adding extra storage space for photos, videos and music
  • Securing private or sensitive data with password protection and hardware encryption

Legal Disclaimer

Returns accepted, under distance selling regulations act.

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

Returns accepted, under distance selling regulations act.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
292 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the external hard drive performs well, is fast with no hiccups, and offers good value for its capacity. They appreciate its storage capacity for basic backup needs, quiet operation, and reliable performance. The setup process receives mixed feedback, with some finding it easy to install and use while others struggle with instructions. Several customers report reliability issues with their drives failing.

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PerformanceValue for moneySpeedStorage capacitySilent operationWorks wellEase of setupReliability
86 customers mention ‘Performance’86 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the hard drive's performance, describing it as a top-quality product that works well without any issues.

"...It is easy to set up and I had it working in a very short time. The drive will not appear at first until you put in your password - if you set it up...." Read more

"...so far it has proving to be an excellent purchase with no compromise in terms of quality." Read more

"...when new files are present in the configured locations and will run automatically, in the background without the need to do anything...." Read more

"...Hoping that the reliability will be good as well... of course if it breaks, I'll come back here to whine about it. :-)" Read more

44 customers mention ‘Value for money’38 positive6 negative

Customers find the hard drive to be excellent value for money, particularly for its capacity.

"...any of my other drives, especially for very large files, so well worth the extra money as you also get additional usb ports, and as a many laptops do..." Read more

"...At the time I purchased it, it was the most competitively priced 2 TB, USB 3.0 hard drive out there, that had the best data transfer rates compared..." Read more

"...The drive is quite economic as well and spins down to save power when not in use...." Read more

"...need one external drive for storage I think this drive is excellent value for the capacity at the price I paid and my old Western Digital My Book..." Read more

43 customers mention ‘Speed’36 positive7 negative

Customers find the hard drive fast, with reasonable transfer rates and reliable performance without any hiccups.

"...I must say the transfer speed is noticeably faster than any of my other drives, especially for very large files, so well worth the extra money as..." Read more

"...priced 2 TB, USB 3.0 hard drive out there, that had the best data transfer rates compared to the others, and so far it has proving to be an..." Read more

"...All in all, this is a smart, fast and silent unit that I would heartily recommend to anyone with a 32-bit version of Windows, looking for a vast..." Read more

"...In terms of backing up the process is automated, the drive knows when new files are present in the configured locations and will run automatically,..." Read more

35 customers mention ‘Storage capacity’32 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the hard drive's storage capacity, finding it good for large amounts of data and basic backup needs, with one customer noting its ability to handle CCTV camera footage.

"...so I was happy that this has real storage of 1.8TB space available and its usb3 so also future proof. I also like the size and (book) style...." Read more

"...I would recommend this drive to anyone needing fast and efficient backups. ********* Further Update - Jan 2014 **************..." Read more

"...The WD My Book is able to automatically backup any files including, videos, pictures, documents etc...." Read more

"I was very pleased when I bought this HDD as it was cheap and it had big storage back in the time...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Silent operation’25 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate that the hard drive operates quietly.

"...All in all, this is a smart, fast and silent unit that I would heartily recommend to anyone with a 32-bit version of Windows, looking for a vast..." Read more

"...Plenty of ventilation. Quiet...." Read more

"...security (access password - be careful do not forget it ;P) and it is quiet. Small control light will not distract you at work...." Read more

"...They are quiet, minimal light and heat in action...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Works well’25 positive3 negative

Customers report that the external hard drive works well, with one customer noting it functions nicely as a backup drive, while another mentions it works extremely well when configured into two 1TB partitions.

"Works well as an external hard drive - no complaints there, except that if it's only a hard drive you want then this is an expensive way of getting..." Read more

"...As always the drive works fine and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0...." Read more

"...Overall, this drive is functioning nicely as a backup drive. Note:..." Read more

"This is a great external drive - it has a substantial amount of storage. It runs quietly. And its quickly up and running...." Read more

33 customers mention ‘Ease of setup’23 positive10 negative

Customers have mixed experiences with setting up the hard drive, with some finding it easy to install and use, while others report that the instructions are hard to follow.

"...It is easy to set up and I had it working in a very short time. The drive will not appear at first until you put in your password - if you set it up...." Read more

"...The WD My Book Software that comes with the drive is quite easy to navigate around and guides you through setup for the first time...." Read more

"...This is that the drives seem to be operated by some overly-complicated firmware...." Read more

"...Initially used the two HDD's without the supplied WD software - - - very easy etc and worked fine but the power down button is software controlled..." Read more

42 customers mention ‘Reliability’6 positive36 negative

Customers report multiple issues with the hard drive's reliability, including electronics failure and making the drive non-functional.

"...go online and download the upgrade - which doesn't work and makes the drive non-workable...." Read more

"...The "Smartware" isn't, Windows doesn't work properly and two drives together don't seem to like Windows 7 (I don't blame them)...." Read more

"...Was so mad WD does not make good quality HDDs. Second in a row with bigger model was just WD never more...." Read more

"...The power switch won't work... very annoying. On to the troubleshooting and the nightmare that is USB3:..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Max
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived Fast - Works Perfectly - Future Proof
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 January 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Was initially looking for another 1TB usb2 just to store files and as a backup drive, I already have an older WD 1TB usb2 and it works fine, however, as I was browsing though the different makes and sizes I came across this one with 2TB usb3, it wasn't that much more than the 2TB usb2 and when I looked at the three videos (Very Impressive) telling you all about the additional software I though this was the best choice for me. My thinking was if you have a massive drive with potentially thousands of different file types it makes sense to have a smart, built in organiser. One thing that always bugs you about large drives is how much space the software takes up, and its always worth finding out what that is. so I was happy that this has real storage of 1.8TB space available and its usb3 so also future proof. I also like the size and (book) style. Its incredibly compact for a 2TB and sits just like a book obviously, but it seems quite stable and not easily knocked over. Its nice and shiny black so aesthetically pleasing, and the white led light at the front is tiny but reassuring. I have not started using all the software as yet, but liked the fact that is has the password protection. It is easy to set up and I had it working in a very short time. The drive will not appear at first until you put in your password - if you set it up. I also purchased a Anker SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Express Card with 2 Port Laptop(Compatible with standard 34mm & 54mm ExpressCard slot)(also reviewed)and it works perfect. I must say the transfer speed is noticeably faster than any of my other drives, especially for very large files, so well worth the extra money as you also get additional usb ports, and as a many laptops don't give you that many its a welcome bonus. So far very impressive, but time will tell. will update re: the reliability and when I install the full software. One thing I would add is that my decision was swayed due to my other 1TB WD drive working perfectly under heavy usage over a year, so would buy WD again.

    Installed in a Sony Vaio VGN AR71E running Windows 7
    One person found this helpful
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  • Risky
    5.0 out of 5 stars Large in size and value
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I recently bought a desktop PC with USB 3.0 ports, so was keen to get a hard drive with the quicker USB 3.0 capability. It is a western Digital (WD,) so you expect it to be competitively priced however I did buy a WD harddrive a while ago and it had heating problems and would fail if you left it on for long periods. If you are one of the consumers who suffered under this unreliability and vowed never to buy another WD hard drive again I can now inform you that WD seemed to have resolved the hard drives cooling issues because it just doesn't fail or cut out. It's a much improved technology so it isn't a risk at all to go back to WD. At the time I purchased it, it was the most competitively priced 2 TB, USB 3.0 hard drive out there, that had the best data transfer rates compared to the others, and so far it has proving to be an excellent purchase with no compromise in terms of quality.
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  • J. Dryburgh
    2.0 out of 5 stars Good hard drive, pathetic software and pathetic tech support
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Works well as an external hard drive - no complaints there, except that if it's only a hard drive you want then this is an expensive way of getting one.

    The Software is weak. The version that comes with the drive appears fine but as soon as you install it it asks you to go online and download the upgrade - which doesn't work and makes the drive non-workable. So, I had to uninstall and start all over again - same thing happened again so I started all over again but this time didn't bother to upgrade. No problem? No, every time I go to use the 'old' version software it prompts me to download the upgrade, which you have to ignore every time. PATHETIC.

    You'd think the solution might be to contact WD support - well I did via there website and got NO REPLY after numerous attempts via their 'contact us online' web page. PATHETIC.

    I will never (knowingly) buy WD again and I can't find it in me to give it any more than 2 stars or recommend it to you.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • emmanuel vergeron
    5.0 out of 5 stars Qualité WD, comme d'habitude !
    Reviewed in France on 28 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Un excellent disque externe !
    Grande capacité, design sympa et surtout, SILENCIEUX !
    Pas forcément évident avec les disques externes…

    Fonctionne très bien, que ce soit en USB 2 ou 3.
    De plus, tournant à 7200 t/mn, ça permet des copies assez rapides.
    Le seul bémol, c'est le bouton d'allumage/extinction.
    Il faut apprendre à s'en servir ;-)
    Pour l'éteindre, il faut exercer une pression d'au moins 5 secondes sur le bouton avant de voir la diode s'éteindre.
    Idem dans l'autre sens.
    Pas habituel comme procédé mais pourquoi pas ?
    Sauf que ce n'est pas mentionné dans le petit manuel.

    À part ça, rien à dire.
    Après quelques déboires sur d'autres marques, je considère Western Digital comme une excellente marque.
    Et à ce prix, avec une telle capacité, pourquoi s'en priver ?
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  • Maurizio Russo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tutto ok
    Reviewed in Italy on 29 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Tutto è stato regolare e il colo è arrivato a destinazione nel tempo corretto. L'hard disk funziona regolarmente e ne sono soddisfatto.
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  • marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars HD esterno usb3
    Reviewed in Italy on 26 June 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Spedizione veloce
    sono soddisfatto
    grazie
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  • Favereau Gerard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un produit très satisfaisant
    Reviewed in France on 21 November 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Comme d'habitude pour la série des disques My Book, un produit très satisfaisant. Design, temps d'accès, bruit, température (à vérifier lors d'une période un peu plus chaude), mise en veille auto, sortie de veille rapide, taille ... et bien sur capacité tout est au rendez-vous
    Reconnu sans problèmes en USB 3 et USB 2, avec un débit moindre bien sur.
    Pas de problème sous W7, pour gérer les 4To.

    Bon produit
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  • max01
    3.0 out of 5 stars wd my book 4TB,USB 3.0
    Reviewed in Italy on 7 January 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Darò solo tre stelle ed ora vi racconto la mia delusione nel my book della WD. Capita spesso (non sempre) che quando viene collegato alla rete elettrica, si accende la spia ma l'HDD non si avvia. Dopo diversi tentativi il disco viene visto dal sistema. Dopo averlo rimosso, con il software apposito, il dispositivo resta acceso e lampeggia finchè non viene spento manualmente da un pulsante sul retro. Tale pulsante deve essere premuto a lungo affinché tutto si spegni altrimenti si riaccende riprendendo a lampeggiare. Naturalmente questo funzionamento del pulsante è snervante ed allora lo rimuovo con l'icona del desktop di Windows, rimozione sicura. Per il resto devo dire che il dispositivo è più che buono.
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