
WD Elements Portable WDBU6Y0030BBK Hard Drive 3TB
- 3TB storage capacity
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible
- Formatted for Windows, reformat for Mac
- 5400 rpm drive speed
- 234 g, USB cable and quick install guide
Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A plain portable backup drive for Windows PCs with a USB cable in the box. It ships without backup software features and must be reformatted for Mac use.
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ASIN: B017IGERDECategory: External Hard Drives
Overview
Backing up photos, music and files on a Windows PC is the job of this WD Elements drive, which plugs in over USB and arrives formatted for Windows. Mac owners can reformat it in a few steps.
It is a simple, light drive for extra storage with no extras to learn. Windows formatting out of the box means Mac users must reformat first, and the spinning disk limits speed.
Who it's for
Students and home users with Windows PCs who need simple overflow storage suit it. Mac owners and creators editing video from the drive will be better served elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Light and pocketable
- Works on USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
- USB cable included
- Reformats easily for Mac
- Formatted for Windows only
- Mechanical disk slower than SSD
- Warranty not listed
Performance notes
Speed depends on the spinning disk and the USB port it uses, so an older port slows copies. As a mechanical drive, it handles bumps better when idle than while writing.
Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 234 g |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 3 TBlower than 52% of 144 external hard drives |
| Hard Disk Rotational Speed | 5400 rpm |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0, USB 2.0 compatible |
| Other details | |
| Hardware Platform | Windows, reformat for Mac |
| BuiltIn Media | Portable hard drive, USB cable, quick install guide |
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Frequently asked questions
Will the WD Elements 3TB work with a Mac?
It is formatted for Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP, and can be reformatted for Mac.
Does the WD Elements work on USB 2.0 ports?
Yes, it supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
What comes with the WD Elements portable drive?
The drive, a USB cable and a quick install guide.