guide WD Passport Ultra recognized on one computer

Is your WD My Passport Ultra external hard drive recognized on one computer but not on another? Don’t worry—this is a common issue faced by many users. There are several potential causes, from outdated drivers and incompatible file systems to USB port problems. This guide explains how to troubleshoot and fix the problem step by step.

Why WD Passport Ultra Works on One PC but Not Another

When your WD Passport Ultra is recognized on one computer but not on another, it typically points to a software, hardware, or system compatibility issue. Some of the most common causes include:

USB port or cable issues

Driver problems on the unrecognized computer

Drive formatted in an incompatible file system (e.g., exFAT, NTFS, HFS+)

Insufficient power to the USB port

Disabled USB ports in BIOS or Device Manager

Step 1: Try Different USB Ports and Cables

Start with the basics:

Plug the WD Passport Ultra into a different USB port on the unrecognized computer.

Avoid using USB hubs or splitters—plug it directly into the PC.

Try using a different USB cable.

Sometimes, faulty or underpowered USB ports are the culprit.

Step 2: Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac)

Even if your WD drive doesn’t appear in File Explorer, it might still be detected:

On Windows:

Right-click the Start menu and choose Disk Management.

Look for your WD Passport Ultra in the list.

If it appears but doesn’t have a drive letter, right-click and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Assign a letter and click OK.

On Mac:

Open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities).

If the drive is listed but grayed out, try clicking Mount.

Step 3: Install or Update WD Drivers

If the drive isn’t showing at all:

Go to the Device Manager (Windows).

Expand the Disk Drives section.

Right-click your WD drive and select Update driver.

You can also download drivers directly from the official Western Digital support site.

Step 4: Check for File System Compatibility

If your WD drive is formatted in a format that one OS doesn’t support:

NTFS works on Windows but is read-only on macOS.

HFS+ works on Mac but is not supported by Windows without third-party software.

exFAT works on both, but some older systems may not support it properly.

To fix this:

Back up your data.

Reformat the drive using exFAT if you need cross-platform compatibility.

Note: Reformatting will erase all data, so be sure to back it up first.

Step 5: Check BIOS or Security Settings

On some computers, USB ports are disabled in BIOS or restricted by security settings.

Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc).

Ensure USB ports are enabled.

Also, check your antivirus or security software—it may block external devices.

Conclusion

If your WD Passport Ultra is recognized on one computer but not another, it's likely due to a USB port, driver, or compatibility issue. By checking USB ports, updating drivers, and ensuring the correct file system format, you can usually resolve the issue quickly.