Summary :
In order to keep data safe, users may choose to sync files to another location. The WD Sync software allows you to sync files to the My Cloud Device. And this post also introduces WD Sync alternatives to help you to sync files to another hard drive.
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Nov 04, 2020 WD SmartWare 4.0.0.13 for Mac can be downloaded from our software library for free. This Mac app was originally developed by Western Digital. The software is categorized as System Tools. The size of the latest installer available for download is 1.1 MB. Our built-in antivirus checked this Mac download and rated it as virus free. 1.Download either the Windows or Mac OSX version of the WD SmartWare Disk Image to a place you will remember, such as your Desktop. 2.Select the Windows or Mac version of the WD SmartWare Disk Image. 3.After the download completes, locate the WD SmartWare Disk Image in the location you saved it.
What Is WD Sync?
WD Sync is a utility of Western Digital that allows you to sync files to the My Cloud Device on your network. This WD Sync software can help you to sync your files and folder to the My Cloud Device. But it doesn’t support you to sync files to a hard drive.
The WD Sync for Windows can support the Windows 10/8.1/8/7. So if you are a user of Western Digital hard drive and want to sync files to the My Cloud Device, you can download the WD Sync and start to sync files so as to keep your data safe.
However, do you know how to use the WD Sync utility? Or when the WD sync fails to work, how can you keep data safe? In the following content, this post will show you the solutions.
WD backup software helps back up files to keep data safe but cannot backup the whole hard drive. This post shows you a WD backup software alternative.
How to Use WD Sync for Windows?
In this part, we will show you how to use the WD Sync software to sync your files to the My Cloud Device step-by-step.
Step 1: Download and install the WD Sync
- Download the WD Sync for Windows from the Western Digital official site.
- Extract the contents of the zip file to a location on your Windows computer.
- Install the WD Sync software on your Windows computer. The installing process will take a few minutes and you need to wait patiently.
Step 2: Select the My Cloud Device
- Once the installation process is finished, the WD Sync will discover the My Cloud Device on your computer automatically.
- Click Next to continue.
Step 3: Start to sync files to My Cloud Device
1. After you have selected the My Cloud Device, you are required to choose the files and folders to sync.
2. Check the folder you want to sync or uncheck the folder and files you don’t want to sync.
3. Click Next to continue.
4. At last, click the Finish button to complete the file synchronization process.
When you have finished all steps, you have successfully synchronized the files and folders to the My Cloud Device to keep your data safe.
However, to sync files to the My Cloud Device, the WD Sync software is a little complicated. And it also has some limitations. For example, it doesn’t support you to sync files to another hard drive. Moreover, the supported device is also limited. It only works when you have the My Cloud Device or you have the MyCloud account.
Thus, is there any alternative to the WD Sync software to sync your files? The answer is positive.
To sync files and folders, you can take advantage of a piece of professional file sync software. Thus, MiniTool ShadowMaker is strongly recommended.
How to use SyncToy in Windows 10 to sync folders or files? This post will show this sync tool in detail, as well as one SyncToy alternative.
WD Sync Alternative Software for Windows – MiniTool ShadowMaker
Induction on WD Sync Alternative Software for Windows
MiniTool ShadowMaker is a piece of professional Windows backup software. It is able to help you to back up the disk, partition, files, folders and the operating system. In addition, the WD Sync alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to save the backup images to different destinations including Administrator, Libraries, Computer, Network and Shared folders.
As an alternative to the Western Digital Sync software, MiniTool ShadowMaker also enables you to sync files or folders to keep your data safe because it is also a piece of file sync software. It also enables you to sync files to five destinations including Administrator, Libraries, Computer, Network and Shared folders.
Besides these two powerful features, MiniTool ShadowMaker can also help you to clone the operating system from HDD to the SSD without data loss so as to improve the performance of your computer and reduce the program loading time.
The WD Sync alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker also has good compatibility. It supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and all other Windows versions.
So, just get WD Sync alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker to keep your data safe.
And in the following part, we will show you how to sync files with the WD Sync software alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker.
How to Use WD Sync Alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker?
Now, it is time to show you how to use professional backup and sync software. We will show you the tutorials with step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Install MiniTool ShadowMaker and launch it
- Download MiniTool ShadowMaker.
- Install it on your computer.
- Launch it.
- Click Keep Trial to continue.
- Click Connect in This Computer to enter its main interface.
Step 2: Select the file sync source
- After entering its main interface, you need to go to the Sync page to continue.
- Click Source module to choose the file or folder sync source. Here are three paths to be chosen. You can select the files or folders you want to sync and click OK to continue.
Step 3: Select the sync destination
- Click Destination module to choose a destination path for the synchronized files.
- The WD Sync alternative provides you with five choices. You can choose any one based on your own needs. It is recommended to choose an external hard drive.
- Then click OK to continue.
The WD Sync alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker, a piece of synchronization software for Windows also provides you some advanced parameters for file sync.
- MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to sync files on a regular basis. You can choose to click the button Schedule to continue.
- You can also set some advanced parameters for file sync by clicking the Options For example, you can exclude some files you do not want to sync.
Want to create automatic file backups in Windows 10? This post shows you how to automatically back up files to an external hard drive with ease.
Step 4: Start to sync files
- You can click Sync Now to sync the files immediately.
- You can also click Sync Later to delay the file sync process. After that, you can re-start this task in the Manage
When you have finished all steps, you have successfully synchronized files to another location so as to keep your data safe.
And this WD Sync alternative can help you to sync files to hard drive, Administrator, Libraries, Network and Shared folders.
WD Sync Alternative for Windows – Sync Center
Windows also provides you an alternative to the WD Sync. It is the Sync Center. Sync Center allows you to sync files between PCs and manage offline files which are saved in the folders of the network servers.
Now, we will show you how to use the WD Sync alternative for Windows – Sync Center.
Step 1: Open Sync Center
- Open Control Panel and choose Sync Center.
- Choose Manage offline files.
- Choose Enable offline files to continue.
Step 2: Create shared folders
- Open Network & Internet and choose Sharing options to continue.
- In the popup window, choose Turn on network discovery, Turn on file and printer sharing, Turn off password protected sharing. And click Save changes to continue.
- Right-click the shared folder you want to sync to choose Properties > Sharing > Share… to continue.
- Add Guest and change the Read/Write permission, and then click Share.
- Click Done.
- In the Properties Windows, choose Advanced Sharing….
- Check Share this folder and click OK.
- Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to get the IPv4
Step 3: Start to sync files
- Input the IP address in the Run
- Double-click the Shard folders you have created in advance and you can see all files on the shared folder are listed here.
- Check the files and choose Always available offline.
- Open Sync Center to view your offline files.
When you have finished all steps, you have synchronized files to another PC. For the detailed tutorials, you can read the post: The Best File Synchronization Software – MiniTool ShadowMaker
Want to sync folders in Windows 10 to keep folders in different locations for backup? This post shows you how to sync two folders easily.
WD Sync VS MiniTool ShadowMaker VS Sync Center
From above content, you can find that there are some differences among the WD Sync software for Windows, MiniTool ShadowMaker for Windows, and Sync center. And in the following part, we will show some differences among these three pieces of software for Windows.
1. Destination path
WD Sync enables you to sync files to the My Cloud Device on your network. The WD Sync alternative – MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to sync files to Administrator, Libraries, Computer, Network, Shared folder. Sync Center allows you to save files to another computer.
In this way, if you don’t have the My Cloud Device, you will not complete the file sync and would not provide protection for your data. Or when the network server is not available, Sync Center will fail to work.
However, MiniTool ShadowMaker offers you various choices for the destination paths. And if you want to sync files to hard drive, try MiniTool ShadowMaker.
2. Supported operating system
The WD Sync only supports the Windows 10/8.1/7 and Vista. However, MiniTool ShadowMaker supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista, Windows XP and all Windows versions. Sync Center supports Windows 7/8/10.
And on the other hand, if you encounter the issue WD Sync not working, you can use the Western Digital Sync software alternative to sync your files to other locations.
However, if you are a Mac user instead of a Windows user, you may want to ask whether there is a piece of software for Mac. The following part shows you the answer.
WD Sync Software for Mac
The Western Digital also provides a piece of WD Sync Software for Mac. It is WD Sync for Mac. The WD Sync for Mac is a utility that allows you to sync files to the My Cloud Device on your network.
The WD Sync for Mac supports the OSX 10.14, OSX 10.13, OSX 10.12, OSX 10.11, OSX 10.10, OSX 10.9. The WD Sync for Mac supports the newly released WD Cloud Personal Cloud Storage.
Bottom Line
In this post, we have introduced what the WD Sync is and how to use WD Sync. In addition, we also have introduced two WD Sync alternatives.
And if you any better opinions about WD Sync, you can share it on the comment zone.
If you have any problem about MiniTool ShadowMaker, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the email [email protected].
WD Sync FAQ
- Connect the WD My Cloud to the Mac.
- Go to Finder. Click Go and select Connect to Server.
- Enter smb://devicename( smb://wdmycloude ) and click Connect.
- Choose the radio button Registered User and enter Name and Password.
- Choose Share on the device and click OK.
- Click the WD icon from the system tray.
- Choose the WD My Cloud device.
- Select Shut down.
- Then the WD My Cloud will be powered off.
WD Elements Desktop (4TB)
4TB ELEMENTS BLACK HD
- Capacity: 4 TB
- Interface: USB 3.0 (USB 2.0)
WD Elements Desktop (6TB)
6TB ELEMENTS BLACK HD
- Capacity: 6 TB
- Interface: USB 3.0 (USB 2.0)
WD Elements Desktop (8TB)
8TB ELEMENTS BLACK
- Capacity: 8 TB
- Interface: USB 3.0 (USB 2.0)
Overview:
Instant, add-on storage
WD Elements desktop storage with USB 3.0 offers reliable, add-on storage, ultra-fast data transfer rates and universal connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. The sleek design features up to 5 TB capacity, renowned WD® quality and it includes a free trial of WD SmartWare™ Pro backup software for local and cloud backup.
USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility
With this single drive you get compatibility with the latest USB 3.0 devices and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices as well.
Free trial of WD SmartWare Pro backup software
WD Elements desktop storage comes with a trial version of WD SmartWare Pro backup software. This backup software allows you to back up your files to your WD Elements drive or to the cloud using your DropBox™ account.
Sleek drive, massive capacity
The sleek design offers up to 5 TB capacity, making WD Elements desktop storage the ideal solution for easy, add-on storage for all your important photos, music, videos and files.
Improve PC performance
When your internal hard drive is almost full your PC slows down. Don't delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements desktop storage and get your computer moving again.
Features:
Transfer files faster than ever
When connected to a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, WD Elements lets you access and save files faster than ever. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in just 3 minutes instead of 13 minutes.
* Performance may vary based on user's hardware and system configuration.
Free trial of WD SmartWare Pro backup software
Download the free trial of WD SmartWare Pro automatic and cloud backup software and start protecting your files today. Back up to your WD Elements drive or to the cloud using your Dropbox account.
Plug-and-play simplicity
Formatted to work right out of the box with your Windows® PC. Just connect the power and plug the drive into the USB port on your computer to instantly add more storage.
Massive capacity
With up to 5 TB capacity, there's plenty of room for all your important files and precious memories.
Improve PC performance
When your internal hard drive is almost full, your PC slows down. Don’t delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements desktop storage and get your computer moving again.
Universal connectivity
With this single drive you can connect to the latest USB 3.0 devices or to your USB 2.0* devices as well.
* Data transfers will occur at USB 2.0 speeds when connected to a USB 2.0 port.
WD quality inside and out
We know your data is important to you. So we build the drive inside to our demanding requirements for durability, shock tolerance and long-term reliability. Then we protect the drive with a durable enclosure designed for style and protection.
WD SmartWare Pro:
Backup software you'll really use.
WD SmartWare Pro offers options for how, when and where you back up your files.
How do you want to back up?
Select File and folder or Category backup. File and Folder backup lets you choose the files and folders that you want to protect with your chosen backup mode.
Where do you want to back up?
WD SmartWare Pro lets you back up to your local external hard drive or to the cloud using your Dropbox* account. For double-safe protection, you can also back up the files in your Dropbox account to your local external hard drive.
* Dropbox account required for cloud backup. Cloud services may be changed, terminated or interrupted at any time and may vary by country.
It's easy to bring back lost files.
If you ever accidentally delete an important file or need to get an earlier version of a file, WD SmartWare Pro helps you retrieve the file in seconds with the easy-to-use retrieve interface. WD SmartWare Pro maintains the file structure that you have set up on your computer so it's easy to locate the file once you have retrieved it.
When do you want to back up?
Choose from automatic, continuous backup or scheduled backup. Automatic, continuous backup runs quietly in the background and backs up your files every time you add or change and save a file. With scheduled backup, you choose the day, time and frequency of your backups.
Back up to any external USB drive.
With WD SmartWare Pro, you can back up your computer to any external hard drive whether that drive is from WD or from a third party.
Visual interface shows backup progress
WD SmartWare Pro features a visual interface with gauges that display how much data you have to be backed up in each category. And as your backup progresses the gauges change color, showing you the backup as it happens.
What's your backup plan?:
Protect your precious memories and important files
You've taken the time to create it or capture it — everything that matters to you, from financial to sentimental. But you're just one system error, one spilled latte, one stolen backpack away from losing it all.
Wd Smartware Download
If it matters to you, make a second copy!
Like a jet plane with more than one engine you need a backup. If your files are backed up and an important file is lost, you can relax because you have a copy.
Make it automatic. Set it and forget it.
You don't have to think about backup everyday if you use automatic backup software that does the work for you.WD offers WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software that makes it easy to back up your important files on your schedule. With WD SmartWare Pro you can select one or both of the following two options:
- Automatic, continuous backup to back up files as soon as they are added or changed and saved
- Scheduled backup that allows you to pick the time, day and frequency that you back up your files.
Upgrade to WD SmartWare Pro!
Upgrade to WD SmartWare Pro for even more backup options. WD SmartWare Pro allows users to back up files to their Dropbox account or even to a non-WD external hard drive.
* Dropbox account required for cloud backup. Cloud services may be changed, terminated or interrupted at any time and may vary by country.
Be selective
Protect the files you create yourself whether they are text documents, e-mail messages, pictures, music, videos or game saves. If you made them, you want to save them and keep them nearby.
You don't have to back up your entire system – a time consuming task that duplicates the issues you've built up over time on your hard drive. If your system fails, use the original copies of your software programs and reinstall your operating system to get a fresh start.
Back up to an external drive.
You can back up to CDs or DVDs, but this is a slow, manual process. And contrary to popular belief, most CDs and DVDs are not permanent. Low-priced CDRs may not be readable in as few as two years and thumb drives are small, lower capacities, and easy to lose.
The best backup medium is an external hard drive. It takes stacks of CDs or DVDs and handfuls of thumb drives to back up all the data that could be stored on a single external hard drive. WD SmartWare Pro makes it easy to back up to an external hard drive. High-capacity external drives are fast and allow you to keep all your backed up data in one place. For extra safety, get a two-drive external storage system and dedicate half the capacity for mirroring to automatically and instantaneously back up your backup every time. WD's external hard drives are sleek, stylish, made for your grab-and-go lifestyle and most come with our easy-to-use backup software... so let WD be your backup plan!
Specifications:
Examples of the number of photos, songs, videos and any other files that can be stored on a hard drive are provided for illustrative purposes only. Your results will vary based on file size and format, settings, features, software and other factors.
Photo: Figures represent the average number of photos taken with a 6 megapixel camera in high-resolution JPEG mode with an average file size of 3.5 MB per photo. The actual number of images will vary by camera model and compression setting.
Hours: The DV format, regardless of its mode (miniDV, DVCAM, DVC-Pro) has a data rate of approximately 25mb/s (mega-bits per second). In storage terms, this translates to approximately 3.5MB/s (Megabytes per second) or 13GB/hr (Gigabytes per hour)
Song: Music capacity is based on 4 minutes per song. MP3 capacity is based on 128 Kbps bit rate and 11:1 audio compression ratio. Uncompressed CD quality is based on 1:1 audio compression ratio.
As used for storage capacity, one megabyte (MB) = one million bytes, one gigabyte (GB) = one billion bytes, and one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment. As used for buffer or cache, one megabyte (MB) = 1,048,576 bytes. As used for transfer rate or interface, megabyte per second (MB/s) = one million bytes per second, megabit per second (Mb/s) = one million bits per second, and gigabit per second (Gb/s) = one billion bits per second.
Drive Size | 5 TB | 4 TB | 3 TB | 2 TB |
---|---|---|---|---|
Model Number | WDBWLG0050HBK | WDBWLG0040HBK | WDBWLG0030HBK | WDBWLG0020HBK |
Interface | USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 | |||
Data transfer rate1 | Up to 5 Gb/s in USB 3.0 mode Up to 480 Mb/s in USB 2.0 mode 480 Mb/sec | |||
Operating temperature | 5° C to 35° C (41° F to 95° F) | |||
Non-operating Temperature | -20° C to 65° C (-4° F to 149° F) | |||
System Compatiblity | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Requires reformatting for MAC OS X | |||
Height | 6.5 in (165.8 mm) | |||
Depth | 5.3 in (135 mm) | |||
Width | 1.9 in (48 mm) | |||
Weight | 2.0 lb (0.91 kg) | |||
Limited Warranty | 1 year | |||
Package Contents |
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Wd Smartware Vcd Download
1A USB 3.0 host and USB 2.0 certified cable are required to obtain Hi-Speed USB performance.
Drive Views:
Rear View
Package
Documentation:
Download the WD Elements Desktop Datasheet (PDF).