Windows 11 24H2 Update Causes BSOD Crashes for WD SSD Users

Microsoft's recently released Windows 11 24H2 update is making waves—not the good kind. Users, especially those with Western Digital (WD) solid-state drives (SSDs), are facing significant issues, including dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes that halt systems in their tracks.

The Grievous Symptoms​

Reports point to BSOD messages, with many users experiencing the cryptic "critical process has died" error after installing the new update. This comes closely on the heels of other complications tied to the 24H2 version, such as problematic installations that crank out an unmanageable 8.63GB cache file—it's as if Microsoft decided to play Santa with our storage space, stuffing it with unwanted bloat.
The affected drives include the WD Black SN770 and WD Blue SN580 models, which employ a technology known as Host Memory Buffer (HMB). This clever little feature essentially allows SSDs to utilize portions of the system's RAM for caching, improving performance but adding a layer of complexity that Windows 11 24H2 seems to struggle with.

The Underlying Cause​

Historically, earlier versions of Windows 11 limited HMB allocation to a mere 64MB, but the latest update raises this limit to the SSDs' requested 200MB. This generous allocation, however, is where the flaw lies. Instead of boosting efficiency, it appears to disrupt normal operations, leading to the aforementioned BSOD errors and possibly corrupting data further down the line.
Some users reported that even after clean installations of Windows, the issues persisted, which is akin to taking your car to a mechanic only for it to break down right outside his garage.

Microsoft’s Response and Temporary Fixes​

While the tech giant hasn’t publicly owned up to these issues in a significant way, whispers in the tech community suggest they are indeed aware of the problem and are actively investigating it. There are even rumors regarding a potential pause in the 24H2 update rollout for devices equipped with these problematic configurations.
For those caught in the crossfire, there is a temporary fix. Users can modify the Windows Registry to disable HMB altogether, but be forewarned: this could lead to reduced SSD performance, somewhat similar to removing the turbocharger from your sports car. The safest fallback option, if you can bear the hassle, is to revert to Windows 11 23H2.

Western Digital’s Stand​

In an unexpected twist, Western Digital is already on the ball, rolling out firmware updates aimed at addressing the issues on their drives. It’s advisable for users to check for those updates—think of it as doctor’s advice to get a flu shot before winter.

Final Thoughts​

For Windows users, especially those relying on WD SSDs, it might be wise to tread carefully around the 24H2 update for the time being. The combination of a new operating system update and high-stakes storage tech like SSDs can occasionally create perfect storm scenarios—this is undoubtedly one of them. Keeping drivers updated and, if necessary, rolling back to a more stable version could save you from a digital nightmare.
In the fast-evolving landscape of tech, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive. Have you encountered BSODs with your SSD post-update? Feel free to share your experiences and any tips in the comments below.
Source: ExtremeTech New Day, New Windows 11 24H2 Issue: BSODs With Certain SSDs