As Microsoft rolls out its Windows 11 24H2 update, many users are experiencing an all-too-familiar nightmare: the ominous Blue Screens of Death (BSOD). This time, the headache seems to be particularly acute for owners of certain Western Digital SSDs, specifically the SN770 and SN580 models. One must wonder—as the updates arrive annually, is there ever a major Windows roll-out that doesn't tumble into chaos?
In typical SSD scenarios, data mapping occurs through a dedicated Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) module. However, many gaming SSDs, including some from Western Digital, opt for a cost-cutting measure to forego DRAM, instead using a slice of the computer's system memory via HMB. This method can significantly hinder performance during extensive operations involving frequent writes and deletions.
Most current recommendations for coping with this issue consist of delving into Windows’ registry. Users can navigate to the registry key located at Computer\\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\StorPort. Here, a variable titled HMBAllocationPolicy can be adjusted: setting this value to 0 reportedly disables HMB and temporarily aims to stabilize those pesky crashes. Alternatively, some have found that setting the value to 2 can yield success.
In the realm of solutions, rolling back Windows to the prior 23H2 edition is another avenue some users have taken—but ideally, the final resolution will require collaborative fixes from Microsoft and Western Digital in the form of firmware updates.
As we navigate this digital realm, it’s crucial for both developers and consumers to share information effectively to minimize downtime and frustration. In the end, we can only hope for an update that encourages stability rather than dread.
So, for our fellow tech enthusiasts and casual users alike—be prepared, stay informed, and always keep an eye on those firmware updates as the saga continues!
Source: PC Gamer As Microsoft rolls out its Windows 11 24H2 update, owners of certain Western Digital SSDs have been greeted with constant Blue Screens of Death
The Trouble with SSDs
The wave of BSODs appearing on systems equipped with these SSDs isn't just chance; it's tied to an issue with a component called the Host Memory Buffer (HMB). Generally, all solid-state drives (SSDs) need to maintain a map that helps track where data is situated within their flash memory chips. This map regularly updates as data is created or discarded.In typical SSD scenarios, data mapping occurs through a dedicated Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) module. However, many gaming SSDs, including some from Western Digital, opt for a cost-cutting measure to forego DRAM, instead using a slice of the computer's system memory via HMB. This method can significantly hinder performance during extensive operations involving frequent writes and deletions.
What’s Going Wrong?
The predicament stems from a compatibility issue with the 64 MB HMB size employed in the SN770 and SN580 models. With the 24H2 update, Microsoft upped the ante by increasing the HMB allocation to 200 MB—and that’s where things started to fall apart. The existing firmware of these specific SSDs simply cannot cope with the change, leading to a cascade of errors exhibited by repeated BSODs.Most current recommendations for coping with this issue consist of delving into Windows’ registry. Users can navigate to the registry key located at Computer\\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\StorPort. Here, a variable titled HMBAllocationPolicy can be adjusted: setting this value to 0 reportedly disables HMB and temporarily aims to stabilize those pesky crashes. Alternatively, some have found that setting the value to 2 can yield success.
In the realm of solutions, rolling back Windows to the prior 23H2 edition is another avenue some users have taken—but ideally, the final resolution will require collaborative fixes from Microsoft and Western Digital in the form of firmware updates.
What’s Next for Users?
With the 24H2 update being released gradually, not everyone has the opportunity to download it just yet. However, if you own a Western Digital SN770 or SN580 SSD, it's wise to hold off on the installation until further updates or fixes are confirmed by Western Digital. As millions update their devices, it's essential to remember this cautionary tale of compatibility and firmware mishaps.Broader Implications
As amusing as it may seem to complain about the reliability of Windows updates, there’s a larger discussion to be had regarding how Microsoft communicates its changes to hardware developers. Was it clear to partners like Western Digital about the planned changes to HMB allocations? Many other SSDs use a static 64 MB HMB without incident, suggesting that communication breakdowns could lie at the center of these troubles.As we navigate this digital realm, it’s crucial for both developers and consumers to share information effectively to minimize downtime and frustration. In the end, we can only hope for an update that encourages stability rather than dread.
So, for our fellow tech enthusiasts and casual users alike—be prepared, stay informed, and always keep an eye on those firmware updates as the saga continues!
Source: PC Gamer As Microsoft rolls out its Windows 11 24H2 update, owners of certain Western Digital SSDs have been greeted with constant Blue Screens of Death