New drive purchase - cannot setup password

If you've recently purchased a new external hard drive and are unable to set up a password, the issue may stem from software compatibility, system settings, or missing utility tools. Most major brands like WD, Seagate, or Samsung bundle proprietary security software (e.g., WD Security, Seagate Toolkit) that allows you to enable password protection and encryption.

First, ensure you’ve installed the correct drive management software from the manufacturer’s official website. Without it, password setup options may not appear. If you’re using macOS, also verify whether the software is compatible with your macOS version—many drives require a specific version of macOS or Windows to function properly.

Additionally, make sure the drive is formatted properly (e.g., NTFS for Windows, exFAT for both macOS and Windows) before trying to apply security settings. Some drives also restrict password setup to specific file systems.

If your drive is recognized but password features are greyed out, try:

Restarting your system

Using a different USB port

Updating drive firmware

Reinstalling the security utility

If the issue persists, check if your drive even supports password protection, as not all models include built-in encryption. Consult your user manual or the manufacturer’s support page for confirmation and troubleshooting guides.