Introduction
The WD My Passport SSD is a portable solid-state drive designed for fast data transfers and secure storage. Its compact and durable design makes it ideal for users requiring reliable external storage on the go. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device.

Image: Top-down view of the WD My Passport SSD, highlighting its two-tone black and silver textured casing.
Setup
- Unpack the Device: Carefully remove the WD My Passport SSD, USB Type-C to Type-C cable, and USB Type-C to Type-A adapter from the packaging.
- Connect to Your Computer:
- For computers with a USB Type-C port, use the included USB Type-C to Type-C cable to connect the SSD directly.
- For computers with a standard USB Type-A port, attach the USB Type-C to Type-A adapter to the USB Type-C to Type-C cable, then connect to your computer.
- Initial Recognition: Your computer should automatically detect the drive. For Windows users, the drive will appear in 'This PC' or 'My Computer'. For macOS users, it will appear on the desktop or in Finder.
- Install WD Discovery Software (Optional): The drive includes WD Discovery software for WD Backup, WD Security, and WD Drive Utilities. It is recommended to install this software for enhanced functionality. Follow the on-screen prompts after connecting the drive or download it from the official WD support website.

Image: Close-up view of the WD My Passport SSD, highlighting the USB Type-C port for connection.
Operating
- Data Transfer:
- To transfer files, simply drag and drop them to and from the My Passport SSD, similar to any other external drive.
- The drive supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, offering read speeds up to 540 MB/s for rapid file transfers.
- Password Protection and Hardware Encryption: Utilize the WD Security feature within the WD Discovery software to set up password protection and hardware encryption for your data. This ensures your files remain secure even if the drive is lost or stolen.
- Backup Solutions: The WD Backup software allows you to schedule automatic backups of your important files from your computer to the My Passport SSD.
- Compatibility: The WD My Passport SSD is compatible with Windows 7+ and macOS operating systems.
Maintenance
- Physical Care: The My Passport SSD features a shock-resistant design. However, it is recommended to handle the drive with care to prevent damage. Avoid dropping it from excessive heights or exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Software Updates: Periodically check for updates to the WD Discovery software and drive firmware through the WD support website to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Safe Ejection: Always safely eject the drive from your computer before disconnecting it to prevent data corruption.
Troubleshooting
- Drive Not Detected:
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the SSD and your computer.
- Try connecting the drive to a different USB port on your computer.
- Test with a different USB cable if available.
- Restart your computer.
- Slow Transfer Speeds:
- Ensure you are using a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 port on your computer for maximum speed. USB 2.0 ports will result in slower transfers.
- Close any unnecessary applications running in the background that might be consuming system resources.
- Access Denied/Permission Issues: Check your operating system's file permissions for the drive. If using WD Security, ensure you have entered the correct password.
- Formatting Issues: If the drive is not recognized or you wish to reformat it, use your operating system's disk management utility (Disk Management on Windows, Disk Utility on macOS). Be aware that formatting will erase all data on the drive.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.1 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Brand | WD |
| Special Feature | Portable, Shock Resistant |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Television |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.44 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 1.8 x 0.39 inches |
| Operating System | Windows 7+ or MacOs |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital |
Warranty & Support
The WD My Passport SSD comes with a 3-year limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or to contact customer service, please visit the official WD support website:
Please have your product model number (WDBKVX2560PSL-WESN) and serial number ready when contacting support.