Can I use the USB connection to load files from my desktop directly onto the MyCloud?
No. The USB port is a host port, intended for hosting a backup or expansion USB HDD.
The MyCloud is a NAS. Connect it to your router, map it into your file system, and copy the files to the MyCloud.
I suggest you visit the Learning Center, choose your device and read the User Manual for your generation of My Cloud.
http://www.mycloud.com/Learn/?language=en
2nd Generation UM https://www.wdc.com/content/dam/wdc/website/downloadable_assets/eng/user_manual/4779-705147.pdf
1st Generation UM http://products.wdc.com/library/UM/ENG/4779-705103.pdf
Actually, your answer is incorrect. I have found that it actually works to some degree. That is I don’t know exactly what will happen when I attempt to access the files I have loaded onto the MyCloud drive but the instructions seem to work.
I’m pretty sure it isn’t incorrect. The MyCloud is NOT a simple USB HDD. Its USB port is NOT intended to be used to connect to the host USB port of a PC.
You don’t know what will happen? Have you connected the MyCloud by ethernet?
What instructions are you referring to?
Have you read the user manual to see how the MyCloud NAS is supposed to be connected and used?
The way to copy files from the desktop of a computer is to use Windows File Explorer to find the My C Loud on you network and copy the files from your computer to it. Real simple; like copying from one drive to another.
How is what was posted above incorrect? What works to some degree?
Generally one cannot connect the USB port on the My Cloud to their computer and hope to transfer files through the USB connection. Instead one would connect the My Cloud to their local network using an Ethernet wire.
Normally one would use Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder to access and copy files to or from the My Cloud. If you have not read the My Cloud User Manual you should do so as it explains how to use the My Cloud. The user manual and additional information can be downloaded from the following WD Support link.
https://support.wdc.com/product.aspx?ID=904
