Windows 11 24H2: Fixing BSOD Issues with WD SSDs

The latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 11 version 24H2, has arrived, but it hasn't come without some serious hiccups. A group of users has reported an alarming trend: specifically, a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue arising from a conflict with certain Western Digital NVMe SSDs. If you're one of those affected, fret not — there’s a potential fix that involves tinkering in the Windows registry.

The Culprit: SSDs Without DRAM Cache​

Reports indicate that this BSOD issue is primarily occurring with specific SSD models, notably the WD Black SN770 and WD Blue SN580. Unlike many contemporary SSDs that boast built-in DRAM to accelerate read and write operations, these models have opted for a design without DRAM. Instead, they utilize Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which allows the SSD to utilize a portion of your computer’s system memory as a cache.
Normally, these SSDs use around 64 MB of system memory for caching. However, with the introduction of the 24H2 update, this allocation seems to have gone haywire, sometimes ballooning up to around 200 MB. It’s this misallocation that has led to the dreaded blue screens surfacing, effectively rendering some systems unstable.

How to Fix It: Registry Edits​

To alleviate this problem, users can adjust the memory allocation settings directly through the Windows registry. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type regedit and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the Following Path:
   
   Code:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorPort

3. Create or Modify the HmbAllocationPolicy key:
   • Check for the HmbAllocationPolicy key. If it doesn’t exist, right-click the StorPort folder, select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it HmbAllocationPolicy.
   • Set the value of HmbAllocationPolicy to:
     • 0 to disable HMB allocation,
     • 2 to limit it to 64 MB (the recommended fix).
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • Finally, reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Broader Implications​

While the issues primarily affect the WD SSDs, users of other brands may also experience similar problems and could attempt these registry adjustments as a workaround.
This incident shines a light on the significant changes that major OS updates can spur, particularly with hardware interactions. Many SSDs now integrate DRAM to allow for smoother performance, but as exemplified here, variations among models and their configurations can lead to unexpected complications.

Conclusion​

As the Windows 11 24H2 update traverses the globe, it’s vital for users to be aware of the potential pitfalls, especially if they depend on specific SSDs for their computing tasks. Microsoft has yet to release an official fix or statement regarding these issues, but users can stay updated through online tech communities and forums.
Until then, if you happen to encounter that ominous blue screen, you know what to do – head to your registry and tweak a few values. Hopefully, the upcoming updates will provide a more permanent resolution, but in the meantime, it’s all about keeping your system stable.
Feel free to share your experiences and solutions in the comments below! Your insights could be invaluable to fellow users navigating this rocky update terrain.
Source: ITC.ua Windows 11 24H2 causes a blue screen with some SSDs — how to fix it in the registry