WD Elements Cable not providing sufficient power to drive

WD External and Portable SSD External SSD for Windows
1

"Hello,

I’m experiencing an issue with my WD Elements external drive. It seems that the cable isn’t providing enough power to properly run the drive. When connected, the drive either doesn’t show up, or it disconnects frequently, making it difficult to access my data. I’ve tried different USB ports, but the problem persists. Could you please provide guidance on how to resolve this or recommend a replacement cable if needed? I’d appreciate your help.

Thank you!"

2

Hi @pswalter

Please refer to the following articles to check if the drive is visible in Disk Management or Disk Utility:

Title: How to access Disk Management in Windows
Link: How to Access and Use Disk Management on Windows

Title: How to access Disk Utility on macOS
Link: How to Access macOS Disk Utility

Please refer to the following article for further troubleshooting steps:

Title: Resolve External Drive Not Detected by Windows or macOS Guided Assist
Link: Resolve External Drive Not Detected by Windows or macOS Guided Assist

Please refer to the link below to test the drive using the WD Dashboard:

Title: Download, Install, Test Drive, and Update Firmware Using Western Digital Dashboard
Link: Download, Install, Test Drive and Update Firmware Using Western Digital Dashboard

3

Hii @pswalter
Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

  1. Test with a Different Cable: The first step is to replace the USB cable with a compatible one. Ensure it is a high-quality cable that supports the required power and data transfer for your WD Elements drive. You can find replacement cables on the WD Store or at most electronics retailers.
  2. Use a Different USB Port: If you’re using a USB hub, try connecting the drive directly to a USB port on your computer. For optimal performance, connect to a USB 3.0 port (often blue in color) if your drive supports it.
  3. Try Another Computer: Connect the drive to a different computer to rule out issues with your system’s USB ports.
  4. Check for Power Needs: Some external drives require more power than a single USB port can provide. If this is the case, consider using a powered USB hub or a Y-cable (a cable with two USB connectors) to draw power from two USB ports.
  5. Firmware and Driver Updates: Ensure that your computer’s USB drivers and the drive’s firmware are up to date. Visit the WD Support Page to check for updates specific to your drive model.