Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The WD My Cloud EX4 is a four-bay network-attached storage (NAS) device that Western Digital lists as having reached end of software updates and support in April 2022. WD says My Cloud OS 3 support ended on April 15, 2022, and that devices not compatible with OS 5 can be accessed only locally. That does not mean the EX4 chassis or files stored on its disks stopped working, but it does make support status and dependence on cloud services central to whether it remains suitable for you.

What is the WD My Cloud EX4?

The EX4 was marketed for home and small-office storage. Western Digital documents four tray-less, hot-swap-capable 3.5-inch drive bays, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 expansion ports, and an LCD. WD’s model comparison lists RAID 5 as the default RAID mode. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance test results.

WD’s launch-era feature list includes file sharing and backup, FTP, iSCSI, link aggregation, and DLNA/UPnP media serving through a Twonky/DLNA-certified server. WD described streaming photos and video to compatible TVs, media players, consoles, and other devices on the network. Those advertised capabilities do not establish support for modern codecs, high-resolution transcoding, a particular number of simultaneous streams, or present availability of cloud-dependent functions. WD EX4 product data sheet and product information.

Is the WD My Cloud EX4 still supported?

No. Western Digital’s Product Lifecycle Support Policy lists the EX4’s release period as March 2014 and its end of updates and support as April 2022. WD defines this lifecycle status as software support, separate from hardware warranty. Its OS 3 notice says support ended April 15, 2022, and lists EX4 firmware 2.13.108 on that date. WD Product Lifecycle Support Policy · WD notice on My Cloud OS 3 support ending.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

WD says security updates are available only for devices compatible with OS 5. It also says devices not compatible with OS 5 can only be accessed locally. Treat an EX4 as legacy equipment, especially if you are considering access from outside a trusted local network. This is a support and security qualification, not evidence that every unit has a particular unpatched vulnerability or that local storage has been remotely disabled in every configuration.

WD’s lifecycle policy states: “If a product feature depends on cloud services to function, that functionality will end.” Features that rely on those services should not be assumed to continue working merely because local storage and network functions remain available.

Rank #2
WD 2TB My Cloud Personal Network Attached Storage - NAS - WDBCTL0020HWT-NESN,White
  • Centralized, whole-home storage
  • Mobile and remote web access, Backs up PC and Mac computers
  • Photo and video backup for smartphones and tablets, Operating System - Windows/Mac
  • Sync software to keep content up-to-date across all your computers and creates a common place for friends and family to share photos
  • Compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, or Mountain Lion operating systems and requires, DLNA/UPnP devices for streaming and a router with Internet connection

What hard drives are compatible with the WD My Cloud EX4?

Use Western Digital’s EX4-specific drive compatibility matrix and verify the exact model number, capacity, and sector format before buying. WD says 4Kn native-sector drives are unsupported; it notes that WD Red, Red Plus, and Red Pro drives support 512-byte emulation (512e). That family-level note is not a guarantee that every current model or capacity will work in the EX4. WD drive compatibility matrix.

The EX4 is built for four 3.5-inch drives, but physical fit alone does not establish compatibility. The matrix is the source for supported models; it does not compare reliability or performance. Check it again immediately before purchase, since available drive models can change.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Should you keep, repair, or replace an EX4?

Choice When it may fit What to check
Keep it for local use You need local network storage and its current drives and array are healthy. Whether your workflow depends on remote or cloud-connected functions; the device’s unsupported software status; drive and array health.
Replace a drive A disk has failed or you need to replace a disk while retaining the EX4. Exact model and sector format in WD’s EX4 compatibility matrix, current backup, and RAID state.
Migrate to another NAS You need a device with an active software-support horizon or functions the EX4 no longer provides. How data and RAID configuration will move, recovery and backup plan, support policy, and total cost. WD’s cited information does not establish which replacement NAS is best.

These options depend on the owner’s needs and the condition of the specific unit; WD’s specifications do not establish speed, noise, reliability, energy use, or long-term ownership performance.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to move or reinstall EX4 drives safely

Drive migration and RAID roaming carry data-loss risk. WD warns that RAID roaming will not work if a drive is failing, has bad sectors or I/O errors, the array is degraded, or filesystem errors followed an unsafe shutdown or power loss. Before risky work, make a current independent backup if the data is accessible.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
WD 2TB My Cloud Personal Network Attached Storage - NAS - WDBCTL0020HWT-NESN,White
WD 2TB My Cloud Personal Network Attached Storage - NAS - WDBCTL0020HWT-NESN,White
Centralized, whole-home storage; Mobile and remote web access, Backs up PC and Mac computers
Bestseller No. 4
J-ZMQER AC DC Adapter Charger Compatible with WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0200KBK 20TB
J-ZMQER AC DC Adapter Charger Compatible with WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0200KBK 20TB
Input Voltage: 100V-240V 50/60Hz; 【Kindly Note】:Please make sure that you choose the right device before purchasing.
$39.99
Best Value
BestCH AC/DC Adapter for WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0160KBK WDBWWD0160KBK-NESN WDBWWD0200KBK WDBWWD0200KBK-EESN WDBWWD0240KBK WDBWWD0240KBK-NESN 16TB 20TB 24TB Personal Cloud Storage Powe
  • World Wide Input Voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz
  • OVP, OCP, SCP Protection (OVP: Over Voltage output Protection. OCP: Over Current output Protection. SCP: Short Circuit output Protection)
  • Tested Units. In Great Working Condition
  • Please check your model whether it is the same as the listing before purchasing. We do not accept responsibility if you purchase wrong products.Thank you!
  • BestCH AC / DC Adapter For WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0160KBK WDBWWD0160KBK-NESN WDBWWD0200KBK WDBWWD0200KBK-EESN WDBWWD0240KBK WDBWWD0240KBK-NESN 16TB 20TB 24TB Personal Cloud Storage Power
Rank #4
J-ZMQER AC DC Adapter Charger Compatible with WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0200KBK 20TB
  • J-ZMQER AC DC Adapter Charger Compatible with WD My Cloud EX4 Western Digital WDBWWD0200KBK 20TB
  • Input Voltage: 100V-240V 50/60Hz
  • 【SAFETY】: With the international quality certification authority, our products are in compliance with top industry standards, and include numerous safety mechanisms, including protection against short circuiting, overvoltage, overcurrent, and internal overheating.
  • 【Kindly Note】:Please make sure that you choose the right device before purchasing.
  • Choosing J-ZMQER products to get convenience and just enjoy the high-speed charging, ensuring you a ideal daily life!
  1. Check the array and disks. Do not proceed with RAID roaming if the array is degraded, a disk is failing or reporting errors, or filesystem errors are present.
  2. Shut the EX4 down safely. Do not remove or rearrange disks while the device is running.
  3. Keep each disk in its original bay. If reinstalling the same disks, return them to the bays they occupied before removal; WD warns that changing bay order can cause data loss.
  4. Follow WD’s RAID roaming guidance. If the array has problems or the data is important and unbacked up, seek an appropriate recovery path rather than experimenting with disk order. WD RAID roaming instructions and cautions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.