Western Digital (WD) has announced that it is ending support for prior generations of My Cloud OS, including My Cloud OS 2 and 3. The company has also announced that devices compatible with My Cloud OS 5 will no longer support previous generations of My Cloud OS. If your device is compatible with My Cloud OS 5, which you can check here, you should upgrade now to continue to have remote access to your storage device.

My Cloud OS 5 released in March of this year and includes major security updates to address vulnerabilities. In June, we wrote about a vulnerability with My Book Live devices that resulted in some users losing their data. A couple of weeks later, it became clear that a similar security risk affected additional Network Attached Storage (NAS) hard drives.

It appears that WD is simply ceasing support for devices with specific security risks rather than undertake the arduous task of updating device compatibility for the latest update. WD writes, 'Western Digital strives to provide reliable and trustworthy storage solutions for businesses and consumers alike. We continuously evaluate and improve our hardware, software, and services as security standards evolve. As a result, we've determined that it's necessary to end support for prior generations of My Cloud OS, including My Cloud OS 3 and WD Cloud OS 2.' As a note, there is no My Cloud OS 4.

This is runs counter to Western Digital's Product Lifecycle Support Policy, which promises standard updates for products for up to eight years. Of course, the company reserves the right to change this policy in the face of security concerns, which is the current situation.

There are two key dates for WD customers to know. On January 15, 2022, devices that are compatible with My Cloud OS 5 will no longer support prior generations of My Cloud OS. After January 15, remote access, security updates, and technical support will no longer be provided. On April 15, 2022, support for prior generations of My Cloud OS will end. If your device is incompatible with the current OS, My Cloud OS 5, you will only be able to access your storage device locally. You no longer have remote access, receive updates, or have technical support. WD recommends that any such devices are backed up, disconnected from the internet, and protected with a strong unique password.

If you don't own a WD device that's compatible with My Cloud OS 5 but wish to continue to use Western Digital products, WD is sending a 20% discount coupon to affected WD device owners in January 2022. The coupon will be good for 90 days and you will not be required to send in your old device. To view the list of devices for which the discount will be distributed, click here.

On this page, Western Digital has also created a FAQ. It discusses many topics, including what makes My Cloud OS 5 different from My Cloud OS 3, how to protect your current data, different policy concerns and more.