Updated to Catalina from High Sierra

[jmac0408]

Don't know if this is an issue or not? Previously when using High Sierra, and having my WD My Passport connected as an external HDD, after logging in there would be a popup window requesting authorization to "unlock" the external. This no longer occurs now that I have updated my MBA to Catalina 10.15.2. The icon for the WD My Passport just appears on the home screen with no request re "unlock" !!

Is this a concern or simply a feature of the updated macOS ??

Any and all input/direction appreciated.

MBA (early 2015)
Safari
Catalina 10.15.2

 

[chscag]

That was a feature of the WD My Passport built in software, not High Sierra or Catalina. Very likely the built in WD My Passport software is 32 bit and no longer works with Catalina which requires 64 bit only.

 

[jmac0408]

Hi chscag!

Your info and response is much appreciated!!

 

[jmac0408]

Hi MBAmtloin!

Vive le bleu, blanc et rouge !!!

How can I access the WD My Passport settings to configure?

Appreciate your response and any further input.

 

[chscag]

How can I access the WD My Passport settings to configure?

How are you using the drive? Is it for backups or do you have data stored on it?

The best way to get rid of the built in WD software is to format the drive, however, just make sure whatever is on it isn't something you want to keep. If there is data you need on the drive, copy it to another drive first and then copy it back after formatting.

We highly recommend not using the WD software at all as it is not required and can cause problems.

 

[jmac0408]

My WD My Passport 4TB is for Backups ONLY !! So am I ok to just “live with” the present configuration in the built in WD software settings??

 

[chscag]

My WD My Passport 4TB is for Backups ONLY !! So am I ok to just “live with” the present configuration in the built in WD software settings??

Yes, you can continue to use it as is. But for future reference, any software that is included with the drive is not necessary and should be removed before using the drive. Most drives nowadays come pre formatted to NTFS (Windows format) and need to be reformatted for use on a Mac anyway. WD does sell drives that are formatted for a Mac but even at that, they should be reformatted to remove the software.

 

[jmac0408]

Hi chscag:

I'll know now that I should have reformatted my WD to remove the built-in software. Thanks for the info.

 

[ferrarr]

I still get my password unlock for my encrypted Time Machine backup drive. You may have inadvertently checked the "Remember this password" check box, the last time you input the password. I did that Ince before. See if this Apple document helps, Manage passwords using keychains on Mac - Apple Support

 

[jmac0408]

ferrarr: Thanks for your input and link !!