pre-release firmware Archives

Winsage

October 9, 2025

4 reasons why you might want to roll back to a previous Windows update

Microsoft’s August 2025 update (version KB5063878) caused significant issues for Phison-branded drives, leading to data loss, drive disappearance, and permanent corruption, attributed to a pre-release firmware issue. The 2018 Windows 10 update (version 1809) also resulted in users losing large amounts of files. Smaller problems, such as performance issues with gaming due to a new security feature in Windows 11, are common after updates. Compatibility issues, like the TPM 2.0 requirement, can force users to upgrade hardware. Updates can lead to performance problems, including slow application launches and crashes. Rolling back updates is often a solution, and users are advised to back up important files and create a System Restore snapshot before doing so.

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.