Steps - My cloud old version not usable anymore

If you’re using an older version of WD My Cloud, you’ve likely discovered that it’s no longer usable—and you’re not alone. Many users worldwide have been affected by Western Digital’s decision to discontinue support for older My Cloud devices and software. This change has left many users frustrated, especially those relying on their devices for personal backups, media libraries, or even small business operations. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happened, why the old My Cloud version no longer works, and what your options are going forward.

Why Your Old My Cloud Is No Longer Usable

Western Digital officially ended support for older My Cloud devices and software, including My Cloud OS 3 and some first-generation hardware models. This means:

No more firmware updates

No access to cloud services (remote access, mobile apps, etc.)

Discontinued desktop software support

Remote login disabled for security reasons

If your device is running My Cloud OS 3 or earlier, WD has likely disabled remote access features through their servers. That means even if your hardware still works locally, you can’t connect to it via the My Cloud website or apps from outside your home network.

Security Concerns and WD's Response

One of the primary reasons Western Digital shut down older My Cloud services is security. Over time, older operating systems become vulnerable to exploitation. In fact, My Cloud OS 3 was found to have multiple security vulnerabilities, including backdoors and weak authentication systems.

Rather than patching an aging and limited platform, WD chose to focus on newer, more secure software—My Cloud OS 5—and only devices capable of running it would continue to receive support and updates.

Affected Devices

Many early My Cloud models are not compatible with OS 5 and have thus reached end of life. These include:

My Cloud (Gen 1)

My Cloud Mirror (Gen 1)

My Cloud EX2 (original, not Ultra)

My Cloud EX4

My Cloud DL2100 and DL4100

These devices may still function locally via SMB (local file sharing) but remote access, synchronization, and mobile features have been permanently shut off.

Your Options Now

If your My Cloud device is running an unsupported version and is now unusable for your needs, here are your options:

1. Use It Locally

Even without remote access, many older devices still work on your home network. You can map network drives and access files via File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) using the device’s IP address.

2. Upgrade Firmware (If Possible)

Some second-generation My Cloud devices can be manually upgraded to My Cloud OS 5. Check WD’s official compatibility list to see if your model qualifies.

3. Replace Your Device

If your device is not compatible with OS 5, consider upgrading to a new WD NAS that supports current firmware. Other brands like Synology and QNAP are also alternatives.

4. Manual Backups

If you're worried about future usability, manually copy your important files to another drive or cloud service.

Conclusion

The old My Cloud versions are no longer usable for remote access or syncing, primarily due to discontinued support and security risks. While you may still access files locally, most cloud functionality is permanently disabled. To maintain access to your data and ensure long-term usability, consider backing up your files and planning for an upgrade to a newer, supported NAS solution.