Sujan Kumal

Recent Windows 11 security updates, specifically KB5063878 and KB5062660 for version 24H2, have been reported to cause significant issues with Solid-State Drives (SSDs), leading to failures and potential data loss. The problem appears to stem from a conflict between the updates and the firmware of certain SSD controllers.

The Problem: SSDs Becoming Unresponsive

Users have reported that after installing the updates, their SSDs may become inaccessible, particularly during large file write operations (e.g., transferring files exceeding 50GB). The issue is more likely to occur when the SSD is over 60% full.

• Symptoms:
  • The drive becomes inaccessible or disappears from the OS.
  • Failures are most common during large, continuous file transfers.
  • A system reboot might offer a temporary fix, but the issue can reoccur.
  • In some severe cases, the SSDs have been rendered completely unrecoverable.

The security updates were intended to patch vulnerabilities, including one exploited by the "Lumma stealer" malware, but this critical storage bug is an unintended side effect.

Affected Hardware

The problem is not isolated to a single SSD brand. Reports indicate that drives with controllers from major manufacturers are affected, including:

• Phison
• Samsung
• InnoGrit

This wide range suggests a broader issue with how the Windows update interacts with common SSD controller technologies. SSD manufacturer Phison has publicly acknowledged the problem and is investigating.

Technical Cause (Under Investigation)

The exact technical cause is still under investigation. Initial theories point to a conflict in the logic of operations between Microsoft's patch and the SSD controller firmware. Other potential causes include:

• Issues with the drive's internal cache management.
• A possible memory leak within the OS's buffered region triggered by the update.

Recommendations for Users

Until a permanent fix is issued by Microsoft, users are advised to be cautious.

1. Delay Updates: If you have not yet installed KB5063878 or KB5062660 on Windows 11 24H2, it is prudent to pause or delay the update.
2. Avoid Large Writes: If the update is already installed, avoid large, continuous file write operations to minimize the risk.
3. Uninstall the Update: For those already experiencing issues, uninstalling the problematic update may resolve the problem.
4. Back Up Data: As always, back up your important data regularly as a general precaution.

Microsoft is aware of the reports and is reportedly working with its partners to investigate and release a fix.