Warning for WD SSD Users: Windows 11 24H2 Update Causes Crashes

If you're a user of Western Digital's SSDs, specifically the SN570 or SN770, you might want to hit the brakes on installing the latest Windows 11 24H2 update. Word has spread among the user community that upgrading your system could lead to some serious hiccups—including dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD) crashes. Let's dive into what’s brewing and how it might impact our computing adventures.

The Trouble Begins: BSODs and Crashes​

Reports began surfacing in early October, with users revealing that their PCs have been crashing with messages like "Critical Process Died" popping up during usage. The issue seems to point towards the SSD controller or NVMe driver, as cited in Windows Event Viewer logs. The community has been buzzing, with users attributing these failures to the use of the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) feature—a function implicated in this unsettling scenario.

What Is HMB, Anyway?​

For the uninitiated, Host Memory Buffer (HMB) is utilized by modern M.2 SSDs that lack their own DRAM caches. Typically, these SSDs tap into your system’s main memory to manage their mapping tables—the bridge between where files are stored on the SSD and how the operating system accesses them. It's akin to a librarian who uses her memory to recall where books are shelved, even though she doesn't have a catalog on hand.
Up until this latest Windows update, Windows had a cozy limit of 64 MB reserved for this allocation. However, the 24H2 update has kicked things up a notch, setting a new minimum of either 1 GB or 1/64th of the installed RAM, which unfortunately caused frazzled nerves among many WD users.

Whose SSDs Are Hit Hardest?​

Specifically, the WD Blue SN580 (PCIe 3.0) and WD Black SN770 (PCIe 4.0) have registered the most issues related to the 24H2 update. While some hopeful users believed the problems may not extend to the DRAM-less SN570, the principle of caution has everyone on red alert. The hiccups seem to occur with these DRAM-less SSDs, especially when the system attempts to assign more than 64 MB to the HMB; this could all suggest a firmware-related problem on WD's part.

So, What’s Being Done?​

In light of the chaos, it seems Microsoft and Western Digital are huddling around the drawing board, working on a potential workaround. For now, Microsoft is reportedly suspending the automatic distribution of the 24H2 update for users with affected WD SSDs, which means no one should be nudging their systems to update using the Media Creation Tool or through fresh installations.

What About Those Already Affected?​

If you've bravely ventured into the 24H2 update already and are being tormented by crashes, a temporary workaround exists. You can make registry edits to either entirely turn off the HMB feature or limit its buffer to 64 MB. While this action should curb the crashes, fair warning: disabling HMB could lead to noticeable dips in performance, as the SSD would lose some of its efficiency in accessing data.
There are scripts available on GitHub that can help ease this process, but remember—you’re tinkering with the registry at your own risk!

The Bigger Picture: Impact on Users and the Industry​

This situation underscores the fragility of updating core system components (like SSD firmware) alongside operating systems that rely heavily on performance optimizations. The pressing question remains: how does this hiccup affect user trust in both Microsoft and Western Digital? Such vulnerabilities—especially from a tech giant like Microsoft—might lead to memories of former fiascos, further embedding a wariness among tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
The world of SSD technology continues to evolve rapidly, and as these drives gain intelligence and functionality, keeping an eye on the interplay between hardware capabilities and software demands will be crucial. For now, it’s best to stay informed and cautious if you're wielding a WD SSD during this turbulent update cycle.
Keep an eye on this space as new developments unfold in the relationship between Windows 11 updates and SSD performance, and as always, engage with your fellow Windows users in discussions about your experiences on the forum!
Source: heise online Windows 11 24H2: PCs with certain WD SSDs crash