SSD failures Archives

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 Update: Stability Focus, No Performance Boost Over 24H2

Microsoft is set to introduce Windows 11 version 25H2, which is characterized as a modest enhancement over version 24H2, with no significant improvements in speed or efficiency according to benchmarks from Tom’s Hardware. The update operates as an "enablement package," activating existing features rather than introducing new code, which emphasizes stability and low-risk deployment, appealing to enterprise users. Benchmarks indicate that 25H2 maintains identical performance scores in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming compared to its predecessor. The update coincides with the end-of-support for Windows 10 in October 2025, but critics argue it lacks enticing enhancements and removes certain functionalities, reflecting a shift in Microsoft’s focus towards cloud integration and AI tools. Initial user reactions indicate frustration over the lack of new features, with some considering it a non-event.

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 8, 2025

Engineering Firmware Identified As Root Cause For Windows 11 SSD Failures

The August 2025 Windows 11 update (KB5063878) has been linked to SSD failure reports, with users experiencing issues such as NVMe drives disappearing or data corruption during large file transfers. Phison, the manufacturer of some affected SSDs, conducted over 4,500 hours of testing and found no failures, which Microsoft also supported, stating no direct link to the update. A group of Chinese PC DIY enthusiasts claimed the problems stemmed from drives using pre-release engineering firmware, which can behave erratically, unlike the finalized production firmware. Phison engineers confirmed this finding, indicating that consumer drives with the final firmware should not be affected. Users experiencing issues are advised to update their firmware and back up important data before doing so.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

New report blames Phison’s pre-release firmware for SSD failures — not Microsoft’s August patch for Windows

The unexpected failures of solid-state drives (SSDs) have been linked to pre-release engineering firmware on certain SSDs, particularly after Microsoft's August security patch for Windows 11. Testing by the PCDIY! group indicated that crashes were primarily affecting drives with this pre-release firmware. Users reported SSDs disappearing after intensive file transfers, with some systems failing to recover after a reboot. Phison stated it could not replicate the failures after extensive testing and suggested thermal issues might be involved, recommending heatsinks to mitigate overheating. Microsoft denied any connection between its August update and the SSD failures, concluding there was no evidence of a flaw introduced by the update. Users with official production firmware are unlikely to face issues. It is advised to update SSD firmware and back up important data as a precaution.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Windows 11 can link your PC clipboard to your phone

Windows 11 has introduced a feature that allows users to link their PC clipboard with Android devices through the Link to Windows app. This feature enables users to copy text, images, or links on their computer and access them on their phone, provided they are logged into the same Microsoft account on both devices and have granted the necessary permissions. The synchronization process is quick, with updates appearing instantly across keyboard applications. Currently, this feature is available only in test builds. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed concerns regarding a security update that some users believed was causing SSD failures, denying the rumors.

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

September 2, 2025

Microsoft claims Windows 11 is innocent of killing SSDs – but the mystery continues

Microsoft's investigation into the Windows 11 August 2025 security update found no evidence linking the update to reported solid-state drive (SSD) failures. Collaborating with SSD manufacturers, including Phison, Microsoft confirmed that extensive testing did not replicate the issues. Telemetry data also showed no increase in drive failures following the update. Despite this, many users continue to report SSD failures after installing the update, leading to speculation about potential underlying issues. The failures often occur during large file transfers, particularly on drives over 60% capacity. Windows 11 Home users face challenges with automatic updates, and Microsoft remains open to investigating future reports.

Winsage

August 31, 2025

SSD failures: Microsoft refutes Windows update allegations

A wave of concern among Windows users in Japan has arisen due to reports of defective SSDs linked to the installation of the Windows 11 update KB5063878, with users experiencing sudden drive failures after the August 2025 security update. Microsoft conducted an investigation and found no evidence connecting the update to the SSD issues, stating that internal telemetry and testing showed no increase in drive failures. Phison, the SSD controller manufacturer, also indicated that the defects are unlikely related to the Windows update, suggesting other factors like hardware wear or firmware issues. Initial reports of failures were primarily from Japan, where users attributed the problems to the update, despite the complexity of potential causes. Microsoft maintains that their global monitoring revealed no systematic issues, considering the matter resolved.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Microsoft swats down reports of SSD failures in Windows — company says recent update didn’t cause storage failures

Microsoft has clarified that Windows update KB5063878 is not linked to reported solid-state drive (SSD) failures. An investigation found no connection between the update and the types of hard drive failures mentioned on social media. Testing involving 21 different SSDs indicated that various brands were affected, but many drives recovered after a system restart, except for the Western Digital SA510 2TB model. Phison could not replicate the issue after extensive testing and recommends installing heatsinks on SSDs for heavy storage tasks. Microsoft reported no increase in disk failure or file corruption during internal assessments. Despite this, some users on social media claim their drives failed after installing the update. Users are advised to monitor their SSDs and report any issues to both the SSD manufacturer and Microsoft.