My cloud old version not usable anymore

Many users of WD My Cloud devices, especially older models, are finding that their devices are no longer usable or accessible as they once were. If you've tried to connect to your My Cloud only to find it unresponsive or inaccessible, you're not alone. Here's what’s happening — and what you can do about it.

What Is WD My Cloud?

WD My Cloud is a line of personal cloud storage devices from Western Digital that allow users to store files on a local drive but access them remotely over the internet. It’s a popular alternative to public cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, offering more privacy and control.

Older models of My Cloud have been in use for years, but recent changes have left many of them essentially unusable — especially for remote access.

Why Older My Cloud Versions Aren’t Usable Anymore

1. Remote Access Discontinued (Cloud Services Disabled)

In 2022, Western Digital announced that they would disable remote access for older My Cloud devices due to security vulnerabilities. This was a major blow to users who relied on remote access to their files from outside their home network.

The affected models include:

My Cloud (1st Gen)

My Cloud Mirror (Gen 1)

My Cloud EX2, EX4 (older versions)

My Cloud EX2100, EX4100 (early firmware versions)

These models are no longer receiving firmware updates and cannot connect to WD's cloud infrastructure, which means no more remote access through the My Cloud app or web portal.

2. Security Vulnerabilities

Older firmware has known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Rather than patching unsupported devices indefinitely, WD made the decision to shut down services tied to those devices, citing user safety and the cost of maintaining legacy software.

3. Operating System Compatibility

Many older My Cloud drives use outdated software and file systems that are no longer fully compatible with Windows 11, macOS Ventura, or newer operating systems. As a result, even local access might be limited or broken depending on your setup.

What You Can Still Do

Just because remote access is gone doesn’t mean your data is lost — yet. Here are your options:

1. Access Locally on Your Network

Most older My Cloud devices still work locally over your home or office network.

Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)

Look under Network Devices

Access the drive using SMB protocol (e.g., \\MYCLOUD or IP address like \\192.168.1.xxx)

If you can’t find it, log into your router to get the device’s local IP and try accessing that directly.

2. Enable FTP or SSH (if still possible)

Some older models allow SSH access, giving tech-savvy users the ability to retrieve files or reconfigure the device manually.

⚠️ Note: Be careful with SSH; incorrect use can cause data loss or brick your device.

3. Manually Back Up and Migrate Data

If the device still powers on and is accessible, back up your files as soon as possible:

Copy files to another external hard drive

Use software like FreeFileSync for large transfers

Consider migrating data to a newer NAS or cloud platform

Upgrade Options

If your My Cloud is no longer usable or you need cloud access again, consider these alternatives:

✅ Upgrade to a Newer WD My Cloud OS 5 Device

Newer devices like the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra support OS 5, which includes updated security, cloud access, and app support.

✅ Switch to a Modern NAS (e.g., Synology, QNAP)

Brands like Synology and QNAP offer robust private cloud storage with mobile access, app ecosystems, and better long-term support.

✅ Use Public Cloud Storage

If you’re only storing basic documents or photos, services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox may be enough for your needs — though they come with subscription costs.

Final Thoughts

If your old version of WD My Cloud is no longer usable, it’s likely due to discontinued support, cloud service shutdowns, or software incompatibility. While local access may still work, remote capabilities are gone for good on legacy models. Now is a good time to back up your data and consider upgrading to a newer, more secure storage solution that meets modern needs.