Fixing BSOD Errors on Windows 11 24H2: WD and SanDisk SSD Firmware Update Guide

If you've recently upgraded your system to Windows 11 24H2 and found yourself in a maddening spiral of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, you're not alone! Many users equipped with Western Digital (WD) and SanDisk SSDs have reported these issues, primarily resulting from misconfigurations, particularly linked to Host Memory Buffer (HMB) allocations. Fortunately, help is at hand as Western Digital has rolled out vital firmware updates to tackle this problem head-on.

The Root of the Problem​

As highlighted in the recent article from Tom's Hardware, the specific source of these BSODs was a glitch in the way HMB was allocated within some SSD models. This misconfiguration was severe enough to disrupt the normal operation of SSDs, causing system instability during and after the Windows 11 24H2 update.
Initially, the fix appeared to be a quick registry edit, which many users sought out in the Western Digital community forums. However, it quickly became evident that the underlying problem rested in the firmware of several models, necessitating an immediate push to update the firmware for users to stabilize their systems.

Firmware Update: A Bumpy Road to Recovery​

The firmware update isn't just a recommendation—it's a necessity. Here's a quick look at the key SSD models affected:

• WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD (2TB)
• WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe SSD (2TB)
• WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD (2TB)
• WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD (2TB)
• SanDisk Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD (2TB)

For those who own affected models, the update process is simple but comes with a caveat: There is a risk of potential data loss during the firmware update. Thus, users are strongly urged to back up their data before proceeding with the update.

Steps to Update Your SSD Firmware​

1. Back Up Your Data: Safeguard your data by backing it up to another drive. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
2. Download the Western Digital Dashboard: Install the software on your system; unfortunately, it's not available for macOS yet.
3. Check for Firmware Updates: Navigate to the “Tools” section within the dashboard. If an update is available, select “UPDATE FIRMWARE.”
4. Follow the Prompts: After the update finishes, you'll be prompted to reboot your system, ensuring the new firmware takes effect.
5. Registry Fix: Though the registry fix can still be applied for those who encounter continued issues, remember that it's more of a stopgap than a permanent solution.

Broader Implications for Users​

The nature of this incident serves as a reminder that firmware updates, while necessary, may pose risks involving data integrity. Use cases in the tech community show a historical precedent for such scenarios, as seen last year where Samsung SSDs users faced similar dilemmas that required follow-up updates to maintain stability.
It's vital to stay informed about the firmware versions for your SSDs. Not only can insufficient updates lead to performance degradation, but they can also cause critical system failures, such as BSODs. In a world where users are striving for seamless computing experiences, the need for vigilance in firmware management is more pressing than ever.

Conclusion​

With Western Digital's release of a firmware fix, affected users are now armed with a remedy to combat the nuisances brought about by the Windows 11 24H2 update. However, the potential for data loss adds a layer of caution to this necessary maintenance task. Always ensure your data is safely backed up before embarking on any firmware updates. Stay tuned to forums like WindowsForum.com for further updates and community advice as technology continues to evolve.
By following these steps and being alert to the latest developments, you can help ensure that your Windows experience remains smooth and snag-free. Happy computing!
Source: Tom's Hardware Western Digital releases fix for Windows 11 24H2 BSODs — users are strongly advised to update their SSD firmware