WD Smartware and other files already installed necessary? - WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0/2.0

Hello I have a question regarding WD smartware and other files that are already installed on the hard drive. Do I need them for it to function? What would happen if it were to be formatted clean? Would it lose the ability to use USB 3.0 or affect the transfer rate? Thanks.

Greetings, the files are not mandatory for the drive to work or provide USB 3.0 speeds, so they can be erased.

However, I suggest you keep the SES folder inside Extras in case Windows is to need the drivers, and also the user manual folder for consultations.