storage devices Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Microsoft forced slow software-accelerated BitLocker on Windows, but will nearly double storage performance with new CPU hardware-accelerated crypto — will improve battery life also, but feature requires new CPUs that aren’t available on the market yet

Microsoft has introduced hardware-accelerated BitLocker encryption in Windows 11 (25H2) and Windows Server (2025 with the September Update), enhancing performance and efficiency. This feature, revealed at Ignite 2025, utilizes UFS Inline Crypto Engine technology to address performance issues associated with software-based encryption, which historically reduced SSD performance by up to 45%. The new technology can deliver up to twice the storage performance in certain workloads and is compatible with TCG Opal-compliant storage devices. Future implementations will use Intel Core Ultra series 3 CPUs with crypto offloading capabilities. Supported devices with NVMe drives will use hardware-accelerated BitLocker with the XTS-AES-256 algorithm by default, resulting in up to 70% fewer CPU cycles for BitLocker workloads and improved battery life for mobile devices. Performance tests show significant improvements, with read speeds increasing from 1632 MB/s to 3746 MB/s and write speeds from 1510 MB/s to 3530 MB/s.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels continue to receive the same updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial users, which allows voice or text engagement with contextual information, and enhancements to the taskbar for monitoring AI agents. The update also introduces Agent Launchers for AI agents across apps, improved customization for Narrator announcements, a refined voice typing experience, and a new Discover Windows widget for tips on Windows features. Language support for the Settings Agent has expanded to include additional languages. Fixes have been made for various issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, login screens, and more. Known issues include unresponsiveness of Researcher on the taskbar and problems with Bluetooth device battery levels. The Paint app has been updated with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) is being released to the Dev & Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are offering the same 25H2-based updates. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers, which provides one-click access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a streamlined search experience. The update also introduces Agents on the taskbar for monitoring tasks, Agent Launchers for app integration, and enhanced Narrator customization. Voice typing experience has been improved, and a new Discover Windows widget is being introduced. The Settings Agent now supports additional languages, and the Click to Do feature now supports Microsoft 365 Copilot. Various fixes and known issues have been documented, including improvements to File Explorer and taskbar functionality. The Paint app is also receiving an update with a collapsible toolbar feature.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

If you regret not living through the floppy disk era why not try this 3D printed Linux project that uses the cartridges to launch games

RFIDisk is an open-source project that allows users to insert a floppy disk into a device functioning as an RFID scanner, which scans an RFID code to boot applications on a connected PC. The project requires a 3D printer to create components and is designed for Linux users. It represents a trend of merging vintage computing with modern technology.

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 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 27, 2025

Phison Dismisses Reports of Windows 11 Updates Bricking SSDs, Runs Rigorous Tests Involving 4500 Hours on Drives But Unable To Reproduce Errors

Phison conducted over 4,500 hours of testing and more than 2,200 test cycles on SSDs potentially impacted by Windows 11 updates 'KB5063878' and ‘KB5062660’, finding no evidence of issues. Neither partners nor customers reported problems related to these updates. Phison has released a "Best Practices" guide recommending the use of appropriate heatsinks and thermal pads to maintain optimal operating temperatures for SSDs. Additionally, there are concerns about a counterfeit document circulated among customers, which may have contributed to misinformation regarding the impact of the updates on Phison SSDs.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Phison Posts Latest Update on SSD Controller Stability

On August 18, Phison became aware of the KB5063878 and KB5062660 updates for Windows 11, which raised concerns about their potential impact on various storage devices. The company conducted over 4,500 cumulative testing hours and more than 2,200 test cycles but could not replicate the reported issues. There have been no indications from partners or customers that their drives have been adversely affected by the updates. Phison is committed to ongoing monitoring and collaboration with industry partners. They recommend users utilize a proper heatsink or thermal pad for extended workloads to maintain optimal operating temperatures and performance. Users can contact Phison's support team for inquiries or troubleshooting.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Troubleshooting File System Errors on Windows 10/11 Drives

File system errors on Windows 10 and 11 can occur due to corrupted system files, faulty updates, bad sectors on the drive, malware infections, hardware issues, or application conflicts. Common error messages often include numeric codes indicating the type of problem. To fix these errors, users can follow several methods, starting with simpler solutions: 1. Restart the Computer: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. 2. Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates: If an error follows a recent update, uninstalling it may help. 3. Run DISM and SFC Commands: These commands repair the Windows system image and verify system files. 4. Run CHKDSK Command: This scans for bad sectors and repairs the file system structure. 5. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache: This clears the cache for Store-based apps without affecting installed apps. 6. Reinstall the Problematic Application: Uninstalling and reinstalling specific applications can resolve app-related errors. 7. Reset this PC: As a last resort, this option reinstalls Windows while allowing users to keep personal files or remove everything. Each method is arranged from least to most disruptive, allowing users to stop once the error is resolved.

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.