Windows Update Causes Storage Issues

Recent reports have brought to light potential issues with solid-state drives and hard disk drives following Windows 11 updates. Specifically, the updates KB5063878 and KB5062660 are being scrutinized for their alleged role in causing storage devices to malfunction, leading to their disappearance from the operating system and rendering their SMART data unreadable. This situation has drawn the attention of Phison, a prominent manufacturer of NAND controllers, which has initiated an investigation into these claims. The concern revolves around certain Phison NAND controllers, particularly DRAM-less models, which are believed to be more susceptible to problems under conditions of intense write operations. This developing story has sparked considerable debate within the user community, with some experiencing significant drive failures while others remain unaffected, prompting questions about the underlying causes—whether it’s a direct impact of the update or merely a coincidental occurrence with pre-existing hardware vulnerabilities.

While the exact nature of the problem remains under investigation, the reported symptoms include drives becoming undetectable by the system and a high probability of data corruption during heavy write operations. Speculations point towards issues such as drive cache malfunctions or memory leaks within Windows’ buffered cache. The affected drives reportedly include models from various manufacturers, underscoring the widespread potential impact of these updates. Given the uncertainty and the anecdotal evidence from affected users, a cautious approach is recommended. Users with drives potentially implicated in these issues might consider postponing the installation of the problematic updates until a clearer resolution emerges from Microsoft and hardware manufacturers like Phison, who are actively collaborating to address these concerns and provide necessary support and remediation.

Windows Update Linked to Drive Failures

A recent Windows 11 update, identified as KB5063878, is reportedly causing significant issues with users' storage devices, including both SSDs and HDDs. This update is accused of leading to drive disappearances and making SMART data unreadable, sparking concerns about data integrity. Phison, a leading producer of NAND controllers, has acknowledged the issue, stating they are aware of industry-wide impacts from this and another update, KB5062660, on various storage devices. They are actively investigating and collaborating with partners to find solutions and offer support.

The allegations, stemming from social media discussions, suggest that certain Phison NAND controllers, particularly those without DRAM, may be more prone to failure under intense write operations after these updates. This could lead to file corruption due to potential issues like drive cache operation anomalies or memory leaks in Windows' buffered cache. While the reports are concerning, the exact cause is still unconfirmed, and it's possible some incidents are coincidental hardware failures given the frequency of Windows updates. Nonetheless, a number of drives from different manufacturers, such as WD Blue SN5000, Corsair MP510 and MP600, and SK Hynix Platinum P41, are among those reportedly affected. Users are advised to exercise caution and potentially defer the update installation.

Investigating the Impact on Storage Devices

The controversy surrounding the Windows 11 24H2 updates has prompted widespread discussion and investigation into their potential effects on storage hardware. Phison's statement confirms their recognition of the reported issues and their commitment to probing the matter thoroughly. They emphasize their dedication to product integrity and supporting their partners and end-users, assuring that affected controllers are under review and updates will be provided as remediation efforts progress.

The debate within the tech community highlights the difficulty in definitively attributing these storage problems solely to the Windows updates. While many users have reported issues aligning with the update's rollout, leading to scenarios where drives temporarily or permanently become undetectable, others suggest that the high frequency of Windows updates makes it difficult to rule out coincidental hardware malfunctions. For instance, one user shared an experience where their SSD became undetectable after an update, only to miraculously reappear after a restart. This variability in user experience underscores the complexity of diagnosing the root cause. For users with drives known to be potentially affected, the recommendation remains to wait for further clarity or official guidance from Microsoft and hardware manufacturers before proceeding with the installation of KB5063878 or KB5062660 to mitigate potential risks to data and system stability.