Western Digital 26TB My Book Duo Desktop RAID External Hard Drive USB 3.1 Gen 1 Black (WDBWLG0260HBK)

For video editors and photographers managing massive 4K and 8K media libraries, the Western Digital 26TB My Book Duo Desktop RAID External Hard Drive delivers colossal capacity and configurable performance. Out of the box, it runs in RAID 0 for maximum speed—up to 360MB/s sequential reads—making it ideal for active projects and fast backups. Need redundancy? Switch to RAID 1 or JBOD via the included software. Dual 3.5-inch WD Red drives are hot-swappable, so you can replace a drive without downtime. With 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, your data stays secure. Two front-facing USB 3.0 hub ports let you charge devices or connect peripherals, while the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface ensures broad compatibility with Windows and macOS (reformat required for Time Machine). The desktop enclosure is built for 24/7 operation, with an efficient cooling design and AC power adapter.

Key specifications

• Total capacity: 26TB (2 x 13TB WD Red drives)
• Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0 compatible)
• RAID modes: RAID 0 (default), RAID 1, JBOD
• Max transfer rate: up to 360MB/s (read, RAID 0)
• Security: 256-bit AES hardware encryption, password protection
• Additional ports: 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A hub
• Drive bays: 2 x 3.5-inch, hot-swappable
• Power: AC adapter (external)
• Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/7, macOS (reformat required)
• Included software: WD Discovery, Acronis True Image WD Edition

Why choose it

This drive offers a unique combination of massive capacity, RAID flexibility, and hardware encryption. Unlike single-drive externals, the My Book Duo lets you prioritize speed or redundancy. The hot-swappable bays mean you can expand or replace drives without tools, and the built-in USB hub reduces cable clutter. WD Red drives are engineered for RAID environments, ensuring reliable 24/7 operation.

Ideal use cases

• Storing and editing high-resolution video projects
• Automatic backups for creative professionals
• Secure archival of sensitive business data
• Expanding storage for a home media server
• Time Machine backups for Mac (after reformat)

Good to know

The drive is preformatted for Windows; macOS users will need to reformat for Time Machine or HFS+. RAID mode changes are done via WD Discovery software. The enclosure is made of durable plastic with ventilation for heat dissipation. LED indicators show drive status and activity. Package includes USB cable, AC adapter, and quick install guide.