SSD issues Archives

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Microsoft’s first Windows 11 update of 2026 has been a mess

Microsoft has issued two emergency fixes for issues arising from its January 2026 update for Windows 11. The first patch aimed to resolve various problems but resulted in shutdown issues for certain machines, particularly those using the Enterprise and IoT editions of Windows 11 version 23H2. In response, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to fix these shutdown problems. A week later, another out-of-band update was required to address crashes in OneDrive and Dropbox for users on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Additionally, Microsoft is investigating reports of boot failures linked to the January update, with some machines experiencing bluescreen errors and requiring manual recovery. This situation mirrors a previous incident where a security update was initially blamed for SSD issues, which were later attributed to firmware and motherboard BIOS problems.

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 8, 2025

When SSDs Vanishes: How Windows 11 Users Can Protect Data Security in a Crisis

Following the release of the Windows 11 update KB5063878 in August 2025, users have reported significant issues with SSD and HDD drives, particularly those using the Phison NAND controller, such as the Corsair Force MP600 and SanDisk Extreme Pro. Many drives are no longer recognized by Windows 11, especially when transferring files larger than 50GB, leading to partitions appearing as RAW and prompting users to format the drive, risking data loss. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, while some users have found temporary relief through rebooting. Data recovery solutions, such as the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, are recommended for recovering lost data from malfunctioning drives, including those encrypted with BitLocker. Users are advised to back up critical data before installing system updates to prevent unexpected data loss.

Winsage

September 6, 2025

Windows 11 SSD Crashing Issues May Be Linked to Pre-Production Firmware Sent to Reviewers; Retail Units Likely Unaffected

The recent SSD issues linked to Windows 11's security updates primarily affect early adopters and testers, not the average consumer. Investigations revealed that Phison could not replicate the reported crashes, and Microsoft confirmed that the issues were not related to the Windows 11 security update. The problems appear to stem from firmware versions of certain SSDs, specifically Corsair's MP600 and some Silicon Power models, which used pre-production engineering firmware. Retail versions of these SSDs have stable firmware, suggesting that consumers are unlikely to face similar issues. For those experiencing performance degradation, a 'Secure Erase' may help restore optimal performance.

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 21, 2025

Phison takes legal action over falsified ‘leaked’ document on Windows SSD issues — says it continues to investigate reports of problems

Phison has denied the validity of a misleading document claiming to summarize controller issues related to SSDs and Windows 11. The company acknowledged that some drives with Phison NAND controllers are affected by a Microsoft security update, but emphasized that the problem is not exclusive to its technology. Phison is investigating the issue and addressing the false document through legal channels. The misleading document inaccurately lists affected controller models, and Phison confirmed that its only official communication on the matter was released on August 19, acknowledging the impact of Windows updates 'KB5063878' and ‘KB5062660’ on various storage devices.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Update ‘Failure’—Do Not Save These Files

Microsoft's recent Windows 11 update has been linked to multiple SSD failures, particularly during large data writes, causing drives to become non-functional. Users have reported that affected drives "disappear from the OS," making SMART data unreadable, and leading to potential file corruption due to a suspected malfunction in the drive cache. SSDs with over 60% usage may be particularly susceptible after about 50GB of continuous writing, with issues also observed in some HDDs. SSDs utilizing Phison NAND controllers, especially DRAM-less models, are noted to be more prone to these problems. The affected SSDs include Corsair Force MP600, Phison PS5012-E12 controller-equipped SSD, KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G4, Fikwot FN955, and SanDisk Extreme PRO M.2 NVMe 3D SSD. The root cause may be a storage driver or kernel-level regression introduced with the update, which mishandles long sequential writes. Users are advised to avoid executing long sequential write operations until Microsoft provides official guidance.

Winsage

August 17, 2025

Windows 11’s Latest Security Update Is Reportedly Causing Several SSD Failures When Writing a Large Number of Files at Once

The latest Windows 11 update, specifically the 'KB5063878' security update, has caused significant issues for solid-state drives (SSDs) with Phison controllers, rendering them non-functional after large data writes. Users have reported that after approximately 50GB of continuous writing, the operating system fails to recognize the SSD, making the drive's partition inaccessible upon reboot. Affected SSD models include Corsair Force MP600, Phison PS5012-E12, KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G4, Fikwot FN955, and SanDisk Extreme PRO M.2 NVMe 3D SSD. Preliminary analysis suggests that a storage driver or kernel-level regression introduced with the update may be mishandling long sequential writes, leading to controller lock-ups. Users are advised to avoid long sequential write operations, especially if their drives are among those listed or utilize Phison controllers.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Another day, another huge Windows 11 24H2 update bug, this time triggering the dreaded Blue Screen of Death

Users are experiencing system crashes and Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) linked to the Windows 11 24H2 update, particularly affecting Western Digital SSD models SN770 and SN580. Reports of increased crashes began over a week ago after the update was installed. Users have identified a common error message: "The driver detected a controller error on DeviceRaidPort1." A temporary workaround involving registry changes has been proposed by a community member, although no official response from Western Digital or Microsoft has been provided. Both companies are aware of the issue and are expected to release patches and firmware updates.