Best Encryption Software for Old WD Elements Portable Drives

If you have an older WD Elements portable hard drive, protecting your data is just as important today as when the drive was new. While WD Elements drives do not come with built-in encryption like some WD My Passport models, you can still secure them using third-party encryption software. Here are some of the best tools to help you encrypt your old WD Elements portable drive and keep your data safe.

Why Encrypt Your WD Elements Drive?

Encryption ensures that even if your drive is lost or stolen, your files remain inaccessible without the correct password. For older drives, which may not support native encryption tools or WD Security software, external software is your best option.

Top Encryption Software Options

1. VeraCrypt (Free & Open Source)

VeraCrypt is one of the most trusted open-source encryption tools available. It allows you to create encrypted volumes or encrypt an entire external drive, including WD Elements. It supports 256-bit AES encryption and other strong encryption protocols.

Pros: Strong encryption, completely free, supports hidden volumes.

Cons: Slight learning curve for beginners.

2. BitLocker (Windows Pro & Enterprise only)

If you're using Windows 10 or 11 Pro, you can use BitLocker to encrypt your entire WD Elements drive. Simply right-click on the drive in File Explorer, select “Turn on BitLocker,” and follow the prompts.

Pros: Built into Windows, simple to use.

Cons: Not available on Home editions, Windows-only.

3. Cryptomator (Cross-platform, Free)

Cryptomator is a great choice for those who want to encrypt specific folders rather than the entire drive. It's easy to use and works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros: User-friendly, cross-platform.

Cons: Encrypts folders only, not entire drives.

4. AxCrypt (Freemium)

AxCrypt is another user-friendly tool designed for individual file encryption. It's ideal if you don’t need to encrypt the entire drive but want secure access to specific files.

Pros: Simple interface, good for beginners.

Cons: Full features require a premium subscription.

How to Use VeraCrypt on WD Elements Drive

Download and install VeraCrypt from its official website.

Plug in your WD Elements drive and back up any important data.

Open VeraCrypt and select Create Volume > Encrypt a non-system partition/drive.

Follow the wizard to format and encrypt your drive.

Set a strong password and encryption type (AES is recommended).

Mount the encrypted volume to access it as a virtual drive when needed.

Note: Encrypting the entire drive will erase existing data—back up first!

Final Tips

Always back up your encrypted drive regularly.

Use a strong, memorable password or passphrase.

Consider combining encryption with file-level backups for extra protection.

Conclusion

Even if your WD Elements portable drive is an older model without built-in encryption, you can still protect your data using reliable, free encryption software like VeraCrypt or BitLocker. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your files stay private, secure, and protected from unauthorized access.