Phison controllers Archives

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 SSD failures could be caused by glitchy drive firmware – here’s what you need to know

Recent discussions in the tech community have highlighted potential issues with SSD failures linked to pre-release firmware from Phison. An investigation by the Chinese PC enthusiast group PCDIY suggests that many SSDs crashing after the Windows 11 update were using these early firmware versions. Phison engineers have reportedly corroborated this, though an official statement is pending. Michael Wu, Phison's US General Manager, stated that the issues are related to 'preview drives' given to reviewers, which differ from final consumer products. He emphasized the importance of using updated firmware. Microsoft has cleared Windows 11 of any wrongdoing, suggesting the firmware may be the root cause. Reports indicate that SSDs not using Phison controllers have also faced similar issues. Users are advised to ensure their drives are on the latest firmware, which can be checked via Windows Device Manager, but should be cautious about updating due to associated risks.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 SSD failures could be caused by glitchy drive firmware – here’s what you need to know

Recent investigations by the PCDIY group in China suggest that SSD failures may be linked to the use of pre-release Phison firmware intended for engineering rather than consumer use. Phison's U.S. General Manager, Michael Wu, stated that many reports of disappearing SSDs stem from media testing on hardware with early firmware versions, which differ from those provided to consumers. Tests by PCDIY indicated that SSD failures related to the Windows 11 update were associated with pre-release firmware. There is speculation that SSD manufacturers may have shipped drives with outdated firmware due to a failure to implement updates. While most affected drives are Phison-based, issues have also been reported in SSDs without Phison controllers. Consumers are advised to ensure their drives are running the latest firmware and to verify firmware versions in Windows' Device Manager.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 SSD issues blamed on reviewers using ‘early versions of firmware’

Recent discussions have focused on the impact of Windows 11 security updates on Solid State Drives (SSDs) with Phison controllers, specifically updates KB5063878 and KB5062660, which some reports suggest may cause failures in certain SSD models. Phison clarified that the issues are due to early versions of firmware and BIOS, not the Windows updates. Michael Wu, General Manager of Phison US, stated that many reported problems originated from tests on hardware with early firmware versions, which are not the same as those provided to consumers. He encouraged users to update their firmware using manufacturer utilities. A notable incident involved YouTuber JayzTwoCents, who experienced performance issues with a Crucial T500 drive after the updates, although it is unclear if he was using pre-release firmware. Phison's investigation indicated that problems reported by the PCDIY! community were linked to engineering preview firmware, not the final consumer version. Microsoft has stated it found no connection between its updates and the drive failures, despite ongoing speculation fueled by social media and YouTubers.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Finally! The real reason why SSDs are disappearing in Windows 11

Windows 11 users who installed the August 2025 KB5063878 update have reported issues with SSDs disappearing from File Explorer and BIOS. Investigations suggest that the problem is linked to preliminary firmware versions of certain SSDs being inadvertently activated by the update. Phison technicians confirmed that the affected SSDs were running on this unfinished firmware, which was not intended for consumer use. Users are advised to update their firmware and back up data to prevent potential loss.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Microsoft denies allegations of recent Windows security update corrupting PC storage: ‘After thorough investigation…’ – The Times of India

Microsoft stated that the Windows 11 24H2 security update (KB5063878) is not linked to reported failures of SSDs and HDDs. After investigating user complaints about data corruption and drive malfunctions, Microsoft found no connection between the update and hard drive failures. Their telemetry data and internal testing showed no increase in disk failures or file corruption since the update's release. Japanese users initially reported SSD failures during intensive write operations on drives over 60% full. Similar issues were reported with various storage devices, including Corsair Force MP600, Maxio SSDs, SanDisk Extreme Pro, Kioxia Exceria Plus G4, Kioxia M.2, and drives with InnoGrit and Phison controllers. Some affected drives regained functionality after a restart, while others remained inaccessible. Phison acknowledged the situation and is working with Microsoft to resolve the issue. Users with drives over 60% capacity are advised to avoid downloading, copying, or writing large files until the cause is identified.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

No, a Windows update probably didn’t brick your SSD

Recent concerns in the tech community have arisen regarding Windows 11 updates KB5063878 and KB5062660, which were rumored to cause failures in SSDs with Phison controllers, leading to claims of corrupted data and disappearing drives. Phison launched an investigation on August 18th and, by August 27th, reported that after over 2,200 test cycles and more than 4,500 hours of testing, they found no evidence of the reported issues and no failures linked to the updates. Microsoft supported these findings, stating their investigations found no connection between the August 2025 Windows security update and the hard drive failures mentioned online. The initial reports appeared to be limited and potentially related to a defective batch of drives, suggesting that the problem may not be widespread. Both companies concluded that users need not worry about the updates damaging their hard drives.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Microsoft says recent Windows update didn’t kill your SSD

Microsoft investigated reports of SSD and HDD failures following the August 2025 KB5063878 security update and found no direct link between the update and the drive failures. Users, particularly in Japan, reported issues with various hard drive models, including Corsair Force MP600, Maxio SSD, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Kioxia Exceria Plus G4, during intensive write operations when drives were over 60% full. Some users regained access to their drives after a restart, while others did not. Phison, a NAND controller manufacturer, is collaborating with Microsoft to address the situation. Microsoft advised Windows 11 users with drives over 60% capacity to avoid downloading, copying, or writing large files until the issue is resolved.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows 11’s SSD breaking bug just got more mysterious – and I really hope Microsoft can clear this up swiftly

A bug in Windows 11's August update is causing issues with certain solid-state drives (SSDs), particularly those using Phison controllers, which may be more susceptible to the bug. Phison has spent over 4,500 hours testing potentially impacted drives and conducted more than 2,200 test cycles without reproducing the issue. Neither Phison's partners nor customers have reported experiencing the glitch. A false document claiming to list affected Phison controllers was debunked by the company. Microsoft is still investigating the bug, and while SSD malfunctions seem infrequent, the situation remains uncertain. Phison advises users of high-performance storage devices to use heatsinks or thermal pads to prevent overheating during demanding tasks, although this advice is not directly related to the Windows 11 bug.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Phison squashes reports of Windows 11 breaking SSDs — says it was unable to reproduce issues despite 4,500 hours of testing, recommends users deploy heatsinks just in case

Microsoft released a Windows 11 update that disrupted the functionality of several solid-state drives (SSDs). Phison Technology conducted over 4,500 hours of internal testing and was unable to replicate the reported issues with their drives. The company stated that neither partners nor customers reported problems. A fake document claiming to show affected Phison controllers was denounced by the company. Phison advises users to use heatsinks with high-performance drives to prevent thermal throttling. Despite their testing showing no issues, some users may still experience difficulties, and it may be wise to avoid the latest Windows 11 update for now.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Phison Responds to Falsified SSD Controller Issue Document Circulating Online

Phison Electronics has issued a statement addressing misinformation related to a Windows 11 update affecting solid-state drives (SSDs) with Phison controllers. The company clarified that fraudulent documents misattributed to them exaggerate issues and make unfounded claims about data safety. Phison plans to pursue legal action against those spreading this misinformation. Key points include that the falsified document is not from Phison, it inaccurately claims potential storage issues from the Windows Security Updates released on August 12, 2025, and that Phison is working with Microsoft and other partners to ensure accurate communication. The company reminded customers to refer to reputable sources for official information.