How to increase performance on EX2 Ultra: Complete Guide

The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a popular NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution for personal cloud storage, backups, and media streaming. However, to get the most out of your device, you may want to boost its performance. Here are several practical ways to improve speed and responsiveness:

🔄 1. Keep Firmware Updated

Ensure your EX2 Ultra is running the latest firmware:

Go to the dashboard > Settings > Firmware Update

Enable auto-updates for seamless improvements and security patches

🚀 2. Use RAID 0 for Faster Access

If speed is your priority and data redundancy is not critical:

Configure your drives in RAID 0 for higher read/write performance

⚠️ Note: RAID 0 has no redundancy—back up important data externally.

🌐 3. Use a Gigabit Network

Your NAS is only as fast as your network:

Connect the EX2 Ultra directly to a Gigabit router or switch using a CAT5e or CAT6 cable

Avoid Wi-Fi when transferring large files—use wired connections

🗃️ 4. Turn Off Unused Services

Disable services like:

DLNA media server, iTunes server, FTP, and Cloud Access if you don’t need them

Go to Settings > Network or Media to disable unused features

💻 5. Limit Background Processes

Avoid large backups, downloads, or media scans during peak usage. These consume CPU and RAM, slowing file access.

✅ Final Tip

Regularly monitor performance through the EX2 dashboard > Resource Monitor. If speeds are still slow, consider upgrading to SSDs (via enclosure swap) or optimizing client-side software.