Windows 11’s ambitious 24H2 feature update, released in autumn 2024, promised a wave of new capabilities, security enhancements, and performance tweaks for millions of users. Yet beneath the headlines about AI-powered Copilot upgrades and improved gaming modes, another quieter story began to emerge—one that highlights the increasingly intricate (and at times, fragile) relationship between modern hardware and operating system requirements. For a significant segment of Windows enthusiasts and upgraders, the road to 24H2 has been unexpectedly blocked by something as fundamental as their storage device.
Unlike earlier Windows upgrade cycles where minor hardware quirks occasionally delayed the rollout, the latest obstacle is striking for both its specificity and scale. Reports began circulating in the weeks after 24H2’s debut that systems equipped with certain Western Digital SSDs—particularly the widely-used WD Black SN770—simply could not upgrade. Users attempting to install the update are met with a stark message: “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.”
At first glance, this sounded like typical cautious rollout logic from Microsoft. Historically, the company has staged updates, applying compatibility “safeguards” when issues are detected with certain hardware combinations. But as mounting evidence and user testimonials surfaced—on both enthusiast forums and broader social platforms like Reddit—it became clear this wasn’t just a staged release; it was a full-stop block for systems running vulnerable firmware versions on the SN770 and potentially other Western Digital (now SanDisk) SSDs.
Users who contacted both Microsoft support and Western Digital’s public channels were often greeted with ambiguity, sometimes being told to “wait for a future update” or check back later. This left many to seek solutions elsewhere, scouring forum threads and unofficial support communities.
This workaround has now been referenced in multiple credible publications and repeated by independent users. Notably, the firmware update process itself is fairly straightforward: after downloading the SanDisk Dashboard, users should select their SN770 drive, check for firmware updates, and follow on-screen prompts. A reboot is required post-update, after which the Windows upgrade path is unblocked.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft and storage vendors have found themselves out of sync. In prior Windows 10 and 11 upgrades, issues have ranged from standby state bugs to TRIM command misfires and unexplained slowdowns—all necessitating subsequent firmware or software patches. What makes the SN770 story unique is its timing and the sheer number of users affected; WD Black NVMe drives are among the most popular SSDs in affordable gaming and prosumer laptops shipped since 2022.
A closer analysis of the update logs, as shared in select tech communities, hints at subtle sector mapping differences and possible lags in reporting specific NVMe features—enough to cause 24H2’s attestation routine to reject the drive as “not ready.” Western Digital’s documentation references “improved Windows compatibility” in their latest firmware changelogs, lending further credence to this theory.
There’s also a secondary risk: frustrated upgraders might attempt to force the 24H2 update via ISO images or unofficial scripts, bypassing Microsoft’s safeguards. Doing so on unsupported firmware could, in edge cases, induce storage instability or even data loss. This risk is alluded to in Microsoft support documentation, which strongly discourages forced upgrades when a hardware compatibility block is applied.
For users, this raises important considerations around upgrade planning, backup routines, and vendor responsiveness. While a firmware patch rescued WD Black owners this time, similar blockers could appear for other commonly used components in future updates, especially as Windows pushes for stricter compliance with security and performance baselines.
Indeed, some users—particularly those who rely on tried-and-true applications or value system transparency—have jumped ship to Linux after hitting a Windows roadblock. Yet, as the article fairly notes, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Compatibility gaps still persist in certain categories, especially with proprietary software or AAA PC gaming. Plus, the steeper learning curve and absence of seamless migration tools still deter many otherwise adventurous users.
A more viable middle path is simply waiting. Historically, Microsoft and its partners have addressed most mainstream hardware incompatibilities within a few weeks or months of a major update’s debut. As such, users who are not immediately pressed for 24H2’s new features could opt to remain on an earlier build, monitor the status of firmware updates, and upgrade only when both Microsoft and the drive vendor officially green-light the process.
It’s also a wakeup call for device makers. The pressure is now squarely on big vendors like Western Digital and Samsung to deliver rapid firmware updates and clear communication channels. Users expect a seamless upgrade experience, and delays (or vague support messaging) quickly translate into frustration, negative publicity, and even lost sales to rivals.
For now, owners of Western Digital’s SN770 can breathe a sigh of relief: with a simple firmware update, their machines are once again eligible for Microsoft’s latest and greatest. Looking forward, however, the episode stands as both a cautionary tale and a blueprint for resilience—a reminder that in the modern OS landscape, staying current means more than just applying updates; it means being ever-vigilant, informed, and ready to act.
Whether you’re a seasoned system builder, a cautious IT admin, or a Windows enthusiast eager for Copilot’s latest tricks, one message is clear: your up-to-date firmware is just as important as your software—and the conversation between device, OS, and user is far from over.
Source: Laptop Mag Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too
Unlike earlier Windows upgrade cycles where minor hardware quirks occasionally delayed the rollout, the latest obstacle is striking for both its specificity and scale. Reports began circulating in the weeks after 24H2’s debut that systems equipped with certain Western Digital SSDs—particularly the widely-used WD Black SN770—simply could not upgrade. Users attempting to install the update are met with a stark message: “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.”At first glance, this sounded like typical cautious rollout logic from Microsoft. Historically, the company has staged updates, applying compatibility “safeguards” when issues are detected with certain hardware combinations. But as mounting evidence and user testimonials surfaced—on both enthusiast forums and broader social platforms like Reddit—it became clear this wasn’t just a staged release; it was a full-stop block for systems running vulnerable firmware versions on the SN770 and potentially other Western Digital (now SanDisk) SSDs.
Examining the Patch: What Microsoft & WD Say
Official acknowledgement has been patchy. While Microsoft has published safeguards and “known issue” reports on its Windows Release Health dashboard, the messaging is notably cautious, refraining from pinning blame on Western Digital by name in initial updates. However, user reports and corroborating independent tech publications, including Laptop Mag and NotebookCheck (whose findings have been verified), all point directly to the SN770 as the primary culprit.Users who contacted both Microsoft support and Western Digital’s public channels were often greeted with ambiguity, sometimes being told to “wait for a future update” or check back later. This left many to seek solutions elsewhere, scouring forum threads and unofficial support communities.
The Good News: Firmware Rescue
Fortunately, there is a pragmatic fix that doesn’t involve drastic measures or hardware replacement. As first noted by savvy Windows aficionados and later confirmed by Western Digital, a firmware patch is available through the SanDisk Dashboard utility. Users who download this management tool and update their SN770 SSD to the latest firmware find that the hardware block disappears—allowing Windows 11 24H2 to proceed past its initial hardware scan, begin the update process, and complete installation with new features in tow.This workaround has now been referenced in multiple credible publications and repeated by independent users. Notably, the firmware update process itself is fairly straightforward: after downloading the SanDisk Dashboard, users should select their SN770 drive, check for firmware updates, and follow on-screen prompts. A reboot is required post-update, after which the Windows upgrade path is unblocked.
Step-by-Step: Updating Your WD Black SN770 Firmware
- Download SanDisk Dashboard
Visit Western Digital’s official site, navigate to the SanDisk Dashboard download page, and install the application. - Run the Application
Open SanDisk Dashboard. It will auto-detect any compatible WD or SanDisk SSDs. - Check for Updates
With the SN770 selected, click “Firmware Update.” The application will search and, if an update is available, prompt you to install it. - Install and Reboot
Follow the prompts to update firmware. A reboot will be required to complete the process. - Retry Windows Update
Once your drive’s firmware is current, run Windows Update again. The 24H2 upgrade should now proceed.
Why Did This Happen? The Anatomy of a Compatibility Block
What led to this abrupt standoff between Windows 11’s latest release and a major SSD model? Insiders point to evolving requirements in the Windows storage stack and emerging security expectations. Microsoft has, over the recent update cycles, increasingly leaned on hardware attestation—ensuring that storage devices, particularly SSDs, support certain features like NVMe command sets, encryption protocols, and advanced error correction. If hardware fails to pass these attestation checks (post-firmware), Windows blocks the upgrade.This isn’t the first time Microsoft and storage vendors have found themselves out of sync. In prior Windows 10 and 11 upgrades, issues have ranged from standby state bugs to TRIM command misfires and unexplained slowdowns—all necessitating subsequent firmware or software patches. What makes the SN770 story unique is its timing and the sheer number of users affected; WD Black NVMe drives are among the most popular SSDs in affordable gaming and prosumer laptops shipped since 2022.
A closer analysis of the update logs, as shared in select tech communities, hints at subtle sector mapping differences and possible lags in reporting specific NVMe features—enough to cause 24H2’s attestation routine to reject the drive as “not ready.” Western Digital’s documentation references “improved Windows compatibility” in their latest firmware changelogs, lending further credence to this theory.
The Stakes: Who Is Impacted and What Are the Risks?
The impact is broad. WD Black SN770 SSDs appear in a wide spectrum of devices—from budget DIY desktop builds to brand-name laptops from Dell and HP. According to user polling on Reddit, r/windows and r/hardware, as well as comments on Laptop Mag’s report, everyone from hobbyists to enterprise IT admins have stumbled into the hardware block. For small office/home office (SOHO) users, this can spell unexpected downtime or force a risky rollback to Windows 10—now nearing official end-of-life.There’s also a secondary risk: frustrated upgraders might attempt to force the 24H2 update via ISO images or unofficial scripts, bypassing Microsoft’s safeguards. Doing so on unsupported firmware could, in edge cases, induce storage instability or even data loss. This risk is alluded to in Microsoft support documentation, which strongly discourages forced upgrades when a hardware compatibility block is applied.
Unpacking the Broader Narrative: Are These Growing Pains for Windows 11?
The SN770 firmware saga is emblematic of a larger pattern quietly shaping the Windows ecosystem. As Microsoft accelerates the cadence of feature updates, weaving ever-tighter hardware attestation and security checks into its OS, the margin for hardware “quirks” or nonstandard implementations shrinks. Devices that once enjoyed years of reliable updates may suddenly glitch out, not for lack of horsepower, but for finer points of driver support or firmware oddities. This trend has been evident with HDMI display bugs, audio device issues following legacy hardware removal, and now, SSD-level roadblocks.For users, this raises important considerations around upgrade planning, backup routines, and vendor responsiveness. While a firmware patch rescued WD Black owners this time, similar blockers could appear for other commonly used components in future updates, especially as Windows pushes for stricter compliance with security and performance baselines.
The Linux Temptation: A Silver Lining?
The Laptop Mag article briefly flirts with the perennial suggestion: for users irked by Windows’ ever-evolving hardware demands, perhaps it’s time to consider Linux. The open-source world, after all, is famed for its support of older and “quirky” hardware; Linux distributions from Ubuntu to Fedora typically accept a wide variety of drives and devices, often requiring little more than a kernel update for full functionality.Indeed, some users—particularly those who rely on tried-and-true applications or value system transparency—have jumped ship to Linux after hitting a Windows roadblock. Yet, as the article fairly notes, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Compatibility gaps still persist in certain categories, especially with proprietary software or AAA PC gaming. Plus, the steeper learning curve and absence of seamless migration tools still deter many otherwise adventurous users.
Alternatives: Should You Switch Back to Windows 10, or Sit Tight?
For those not ready or able to install a firmware patch (perhaps due to locked-down corporate IT environments or unfamiliarity with the process), the temptation to revert to a Windows 10 image is real. However, rolling back to Windows 10 is a temporary solution at best; Microsoft has telegraphed clearly that broad support will sunset soon, likely by October 2025, after which critical security updates cease. At that point, stagnating on 10 represents a security risk, particularly for internet-connected devices handling sensitive data.A more viable middle path is simply waiting. Historically, Microsoft and its partners have addressed most mainstream hardware incompatibilities within a few weeks or months of a major update’s debut. As such, users who are not immediately pressed for 24H2’s new features could opt to remain on an earlier build, monitor the status of firmware updates, and upgrade only when both Microsoft and the drive vendor officially green-light the process.
The Next Step: What This Means for Windows 12 and Beyond
This episode offers a glimpse into what the Windows ecosystem may increasingly look like as Windows 12 and subsequent releases arrive. Microsoft’s hardware certification processes are likely to grow even more exacting, especially as security threats grow and remote workforces become the norm. For users—and IT pros in particular—the need to monitor device and firmware compatibility across the stack is only set to increase.It’s also a wakeup call for device makers. The pressure is now squarely on big vendors like Western Digital and Samsung to deliver rapid firmware updates and clear communication channels. Users expect a seamless upgrade experience, and delays (or vague support messaging) quickly translate into frustration, negative publicity, and even lost sales to rivals.
Practical Takeaways for Windows Power Users
For anyone facing the 24H2 roadblock, here are some concrete recommendations:- Don’t panic or rush to replace your SSD. The SN770 compatibility issue is real, but fixable.
- Verify your SSD model and firmware version. Use SanDisk Dashboard or WD’s tools to check your drive—the patch might already be available.
- Follow official upgrade procedures. Avoid sideloading updates or using unofficial scripts unless you accept the risk.
- Backup critical data before any major update or firmware flash. Even routine patches can sometimes go awry.
- Stay informed. Consult Microsoft’s official Windows Release Health dashboard and your hardware vendor’s support pages regularly, especially during major update cycles.
- If stuck, consider alternatives. Linux is a viable backup for power users and those with compatible workflows, and Windows 10 remains a temporary refuge for the next year.
Will This Be the Last Major Blocker? Lessons in Resilience
It’s unlikely that the SN770 episode will be the last time a firmware or driver compatibility drama makes headlines during a major Windows rollout. As software grows more complex and hardware lifecycles stretch further, the seams between OS and device become pressure points. Yet, the quick identification of the issue, community-driven sharing of workarounds, and eventual official patch all show the value of a vibrant userbase—and of strong collaboration between Microsoft and its hardware partners.For now, owners of Western Digital’s SN770 can breathe a sigh of relief: with a simple firmware update, their machines are once again eligible for Microsoft’s latest and greatest. Looking forward, however, the episode stands as both a cautionary tale and a blueprint for resilience—a reminder that in the modern OS landscape, staying current means more than just applying updates; it means being ever-vigilant, informed, and ready to act.
Whether you’re a seasoned system builder, a cautious IT admin, or a Windows enthusiast eager for Copilot’s latest tricks, one message is clear: your up-to-date firmware is just as important as your software—and the conversation between device, OS, and user is far from over.
Source: Laptop Mag Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too