How to encrypt backups with Acronis WD Edition the right way?

Backing up your data is essential—but securing that backup is equally critical. If you use Acronis True Image for Western Digital (WD Edition) to back up your WD drives, you have access to AES-256 encryption, a highly secure method to protect sensitive files. However, encryption must be enabled during backup creation, and there are a few steps to get it right the first time.

This guide will show you how to properly encrypt backups using Acronis WD Edition, ensuring your data is safe from unauthorized access.

What is Acronis WD Edition?

Acronis True Image for Western Digital is a free, slimmed-down version of the full Acronis True Image software, available exclusively for users with at least one supported Western Digital or SanDisk drive attached to their system. It offers features like full disk imaging, cloning, incremental backups, and data encryption.

Why Enable Encryption for Your Backups?

When you encrypt a backup, you protect it from:

Unauthorized access or theft

Ransomware or malware exposure

Accidental sharing of sensitive data

Even if someone copies your backup file, they won’t be able to open it without the encryption password.

How to Encrypt Backups in Acronis WD Edition – Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Install and Launch Acronis WD Edition

Download the latest version from the Western Digital website.

Ensure that at least one WD or SanDisk drive is connected.

Launch the program and select Backup from the main screen.

✅ Step 2: Choose What to Back Up

Select either Entire PC, Disks and Partitions, or Files and Folders.

Click the source box to define what you want to back up.

✅ Step 3: Set the Backup Destination

Choose where to store the backup:

External WD drive

Local internal drive

Network-attached storage (NAS)

Tip: For encrypted backups, a local or external drive is recommended over cloud options in the WD Edition.

✅ Step 4: Configure Backup Options

Click Options (gear icon) > Advanced tab.

Under Encryption, select the checkbox to enable it.

Choose AES-256 encryption (recommended for best security).

Enter a strong password and confirm it.

⚠️ Important: Acronis does not store or recover your password. If you forget it, the backup cannot be restored.

✅ Step 5: Save and Run the Backup

Click OK to save the settings.

Click Back up now to start the backup with encryption.

You can monitor progress and ensure it completes without errors.

Restoring Encrypted Backups

To restore:

Open Acronis WD Edition and locate your backup.

Click Recover.

You will be prompted to enter the password used during encryption.

Proceed with recovery as normal after authentication.

Best Practices

Use a unique and secure password.

Keep a copy of your password stored in a password manager.

Avoid enabling encryption on non-secure/public computers.

Conclusion

Encrypting your backups with Acronis WD Edition is a smart and effective way to protect your data. With just a few extra steps during setup, you can ensure that your backup files remain confidential, even if your drive is lost or stolen. Just remember—your password is the key, and there is no backdoor.