Windows 11 24H2 Causes BSOD for Western Digital NVMe SSD Users: Fixes Inside

In a shocking development for enthusiasts and regular users alike, reports have emerged indicating that the recent Windows 11 24H2 update is causing serious stability issues for Western Digital NVMe SSD users. If you’ve experienced looping Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) since this update, you’re not alone. But worry not; a simple registry tweak may save the day.

The Root of the Problem: Misconfigured Host Memory Buffer​

Since October 8, users in the Western Digital community have raised alarms about a troubling trend: after installing Windows 11 24H2, many have found themselves facing relentless BSODs. The primary culprit? A misconfigured Host Memory Buffer (HMB).
So, what exactly is HMB? In simple terms, Host Memory Buffer allows NVMe drives to utilize a portion of your system's RAM as additional cache, iteratively enhancing performance. Ideally, this allocation is around 64MB, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the 24H2 update may push this to an unnecessarily large 200MB. This misallocation leads to the dreaded instability experienced by users of specific Western Digital models, notably the WD Blue SN580 and WD Black SN770.

How to Fix the Crashing Issue​

Fortunately, effective mitigations have surfaced following these complaints. Western Digital NVMe SSD users can resolve the BSOD conundrum through a straightforward registry edit. Below are the steps:

1. Enter the Registry Editor:
   • Open the Start Menu, type Regedit, and hit enter.
   []Locate the HMB Key:
   
   • Navigate to:

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorPort

   []Modify HMB Settings:
   • Create a subkey named HmbAllocationPolicy if it’s not already there.
   • Set the DWORD value to either:
     • 0 to disable HMB entirely (less performance).
     • 2 to revert to the original 64MB allocation.
2. Consider Reverting the Update:
   • Some users reported success by rolling back the Windows 11 24H2 update altogether, especially if the performance after the registry change was unsatisfactory.

Broader Implications​

Though this issue is currently observed in Western Digital drives, it’s important to note that HMB is not exclusive to them. This suggests that similar problems could arise for other NVMe SSD manufacturers as well if Windows 11's management of HMB is left unchecked.
So, whether you’re a DIY PC builder or a casual user, keeping an eye on the Windows community discussions and promptly addressing concerns could save you some headaches.

Wrapping Up​

If you’re a Western Digital NVMe SSD user grappling with BSODs after the recent update, tweaking the registry settings could restore stability to your system. While these dynamic SSDs promise speed and efficiency, it’s crucial to stay proactive in managing the system’s interactions with them—especially after major updates.
And remember—if you encounter BSOD issues after installing Windows 11 24H2 with a non-Western Digital NVMe drive, don't hesitate to apply similar fixes. Staying informed and engaged will ensure smoother computing experiences as we navigate these enhancements in operating systems.

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For detailed instructions and further updates on this topic, make sure to stay connected with community forums and tech news outlets. Your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology shouldn’t be hampered by these bumps in the road!
Source: Tom's Hardware Western Digital NVMe SSD users beware: Windows 11 24H2 is causing BSODs unless you tweak your registry