Here’s a concise summary of the situation, based on your Neowin article and the latest available info:
If you want step-by-step guidance or run into trouble with the Dashboard process, just ask—happy to help!
Source: Neowin WD SSDs still block Windows 11 24H2 download and installs, Microsoft may be guilty too
What’s Happening?
- Windows 11 version 24H2 is still actively being blocked on some systems with certain Western Digital (WD) and SanDisk NVMe SSDs (notably the WD_BLACK SN770 and similar models).
- When trying to upgrade, users get a “What needs your attention” message, blaming the WD NVMe SSD, stating:
"Your PC has a hardware that isn't ready for this version of Windows. Windows Update will automatically offer you this version of Windows once the issue has been resolved." - This block is due to a known compatibility issue related to the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) used by these DRAM-less SSDs.
What’s been done?
- WD reportedly fixed the HMB-related issues with a firmware update in October 2024.
- However, Windows Update is not reliably linking users to this fix or informing them directly, so the upgrade remains blocked for many.
- Microsoft hasn't listed this specific WD SSD block in its known issues dashboard, creating confusion.
How to Work Around It
- Users have found that the proper way to update firmware on these SSDs (e.g., WD_BLACK SN770) is via the SanDisk Dashboard software (used for WD and SanDisk NVMe SSDs).
- Supported SSD models for this tool include WD Green, Blue, Red, WD_BLACK, SanDisk SSD PLUS M.2, Extreme M.2, Extreme Pro M.2, Ultra 3D, and more.
- Manually installing the latest firmware (using that Dashboard software) removes the upgrade block in most cases.
- Download and install the SanDisk Dashboard.
- Run the Dashboard with your WD or SanDisk SSD installed.
- Update the firmware as prompted for your drive.
- Reboot and re-attempt the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade.
Summary
- This is an ongoing issue; even though firmware fixes exist, Microsoft’s lack of clear communication and the absence of an official dashboard note are prolonging user frustration.
- Until the firmware is up to date (done manually, for now), Windows 11 24H2 upgrades will continue to be blocked if you have one of the affected WD/SanDisk SSDs.
If you want step-by-step guidance or run into trouble with the Dashboard process, just ask—happy to help!
Source: Neowin WD SSDs still block Windows 11 24H2 download and installs, Microsoft may be guilty too
