


Just be sure to back up any files on the drive first, so you can copy them back when you're done. You can, of course, reformat either version with the other file system to use the drive with the other OS, or reformat with exFAT if you want to move the drive freely between Windows systems and Macs. My Passport drives for Windows come formatted in the NTFS file system the Mac versions come with HFS+. (Opens in a new window) Read Our Western Digital My Book Review Pick up the drive, and it feels like a solid, well-built product. The partially rippled surface covers half of both the top and bottom, running from one corner to the diagonal center line on both, while an understated WD logo occupies the upper right corner of the top.


Fit and finish are excellent, with no screws needed to hold the case together and no sharp edges to catch on clothing or a bag. The My Passport at least arguably earns WD's description of it as "stylish." The drive I have for testing, pictured here, is black, but you can also get versions formatted for Windows in a red or blue case, or one formatted for the Mac in a darker blue case only. Add a choice of colors, a size that can fit in a shirt pocket, a range of capacities from 1TB to 5TB (5TB is the top capacity you can get at the moment for a single-drive portable hard drive), and easy-to-find discounts from list price, and the WD My Passport is a clear standout and our new Editors' Choice among high-capacity portable hard drives. The ripples also help keep the drive from slipping out of your hand easily. Slightly rounded edges and ripples over part of the surface give the My Passport drive the look and tactile-friendly feel of a consumer gadget. One of the differences between a generic external hard drive and a top contender like the WD My Passport ($149.99 for the 5TB model tested here) is the manufacturer's added effort to make a simple plastic box look attractive. At list price, the 5TB version has a higher cost per gigabyte than the 4TB version.How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
