turn off external HDD from pc?

[Robert1986]

I have a WD 1tb external HDD and I have to hold the button for a good 4-6 seconds before it shuts down. It doesn't even shut down when I turn my pc off. Is there a way to control the HDD on my desktop?

 

[CaseyChaos]

In idle mode after it's been left alone for 10mins (or whatever time it is) the power usage is absolutely tiny, like the standby button on a tv. I don't know how you can turn it off though without taking the power out of the back or holding the button as you say.