Understanding the SSD Disappearance Issue
In recent weeks, a notable issue has emerged among Windows 11 users, particularly those who installed the August 2025 KB5063878 update. Reports have surfaced regarding SSDs vanishing from both File Explorer and BIOS, leading to confusion and concern among affected users. Despite initial responses from Microsoft and Phison, which indicated that the problem was not reproducible and unrelated to the update, new insights have shed light on the situation.
Recent investigations by tech enthusiasts in the PCDIY! Facebook group, a vibrant community of Chinese PC hobbyists, suggest that the root cause of the problem lies not within Windows itself, but rather in the preliminary firmware versions of certain SSDs. These unfinished firmware iterations, which were never intended for consumer use, seem to have been inadvertently activated by the KB5063878 update, resulting in the reported issues.
Phison technicians have corroborated these findings, confirming through testing that the SSDs experiencing crashes post-update were indeed operating on preliminary firmware. This revelation highlights a critical distinction: while SSD manufacturers utilize Phison controllers, the products shipped to consumers are equipped with official firmware. This official version has undergone rigorous testing and validation, ensuring it is free from the anomalies often associated with engineering firmware.
For users grappling with the disappearance of their SSDs following the installation of the August 2025 update, the solution is clear: updating the firmware is essential. It is crucial to back up all data on the affected SSD before proceeding with the firmware update to safeguard against potential data loss.
Further reading: Common mistakes that’ll kill your SSD early
This information has been adapted from our sister publication, PC-WELT, and translated from German for broader accessibility.
