Information about the auto unlock feature or WD Security software on password protected drives.*END
Description
A WD Security password protected drive does not auto unlock while connected to a computer.
The auto unlock setting on a password protected drive allows the drive to auto unlock for this computer and User: (drive_user).
Auto Unlock Feature Details
- WD Discovery, WD Security and WD Drive Utilities should be installed to ensure consistent auto unlock operations.
- Auto unlock DOES NOT follow the user to other computers if the user account is part of a Domain.
- Auto unlock DOES NOT occur for any other user account on the computer where it was enabled, unless the other user also enabled auto unlock for the same drive on the same computer.
- Auto unlock DOES NOT occur if there are file system corruption, disk sector and I/O errors.
- Certain models of WD My Book do not support the WD Unlocker VCD and require WD Security and WD Drive Utilities or WD Discovery to be installed to unlock and access the drive.
- Safe Eject and connect the drive again after set, change or remove password operations.
- Need more help?
IMPORTANT:
Western Digital External drives support unlocking under these conditions which may vary per make and model.
- Drives may lock during reboot or sign-off due to their connection to the operating system USB suspend process.
- Drives may remain unlocked when the USB process is suspended.
Safe Eject and remove the drive to ensure it is locked and secure.
Resolution
- Ensure drive usage is inline with the auto unlock feature details.
- Safe Eject, remove the drive and connect to the computer again.
- Close and open Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder.
- Connect the drive to the USB Port of the computer instead of a hub.
- Connect the drive directly to a different USB Port on the computer.
- Try a different USB cable.
- Use the WD Drive Unlock application to access the drive.
- Double-click WD Drive Unlock.
- Enter the password.
Click Unlock Drive.
- Double-click WD Drive Unlock.
- Download and install WD Discovery, WD Security and WD Drive Utilities.
Need more help? - Ensure "WD Drive Utilities Helper" is set to start at power on.
- Press Control+Alt+Delete to access Windows Task Manager.
- Click the Startup tab.
Ensure "WD Drive Utilities Helper" process Status is set to Enabled..
- Test the drive errors.
Need more help?
Answer ID 12452: Steps to Check Drives for Errors or Failures on Windows and macOS