First, connect your WD external hard drive to your Windows computer using a standard USB cable.
Check if your hard drive has been recognized.
Make sure that you have installed the compatible WD SmartWare software.
If you have not yet installed the software, open the default browser and navigate to the official WD site to unlock a Wd external drive without a password.
Go to the Software and Downloads page and expand Software for Windows.
Select the WD SmartWare tab and click the Download button.
Specify the download location and click the Save button.
Wait until the download is completed.
Once downloaded, launch the WD SmartWare app and go to Help.
Select Manage & Customize and click Next.
Click on the ‘Erase the Driver?’ link at the right-side panel and follow the on-screen prompts to unlock the drive.
Alternatively, you can use WD Security and WD Drive Utilities to unlock your external hard drive.
When using the WD Security software, you have to attempt to log in to your drive by entering the last remembered password.
On the fifth attempt fails, a message will appear prompting you to erase the drive.
Agree to the terms and click the Erase Drive button to unlock your drive.