Windows 11 24H2 Update Causes BSOD for Western Digital SSD Users

In a technological world where updates are supposed to equate to improvements, the recent experiences of some Windows 11 users tell a different tale. The rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update has hit a bump on the road for enthusiasts wielding certain Western Digital SSDs, leading to a series of disconcerting Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Today, we dissect this issue, its underlying causes, and the temporary workaround that could restore some sanity to those affected.

The Root of the Problem: Unraveling Compatibility Issues​

Microsoft has acknowledged the emergence of a compatibility problem between the latest Windows update and specific models of Western Digital SSDs, which has caused catastrophic BSOD failures. So, what’s happening here? The crux of the issue lies in the interaction between the updated storage drivers in Windows 11 24H2 and the RAID controllers associated with these SSDs.
One key player in this drama is the concept of Host Memory Buffer (HMB). HMB is a nifty little feature that allows SSDs to utilize a segment of your system’s RAM to enhance their performance. Traditionally, older iterations of Windows allocated a modest amount of this memory. For instance, previous updates might only tap into about 64MB, but the 24H2 update ambitiously claims the entire HMB capacity requested by the SSD — a staggering 200MB in cases like the WD SN770.
Then comes the twist: if the SSD's firmware isn't equipped to handle such a hefty allocation, it sets off a chain reaction of write operation failures. The endgame? File system corruption and the dreaded BSOD, leaving many users staring blankly at a stop error code instead of their beloved desktop.

Identifying the Issues: What Should You Look For?​

For tech-savvy users experiencing this problem, the Event Viewer logs may leave breadcrumbs pointing to the culprits of their woes. Common error messages include:

• "stornvme – NVMe Storage Driver"
• "The driver detected a controller error on \Device\RaidPort1 or 2"

If these messages resonate with you, it might be time to take action.

Temporary Workaround: Navigating the Registry Maze​

For those caught in this unpleasant BSOD nightmare, a temporary workaround exists, albeit with some performance trade-offs. The method involves adjusting settings through the Windows Registry Editor. Here’s a simple guide on how to undertake this fix:

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the Right Path:
   • Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device
3. Create or Modify HMBAllocationPolicy:
   • Right-click on the Device key, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   • Name it HMBAllocationPolicy.
4. Disable HMB:
   • Double-click on the new HMBAllocationPolicy entry, set the Value data to 0, and click OK.

While this action may help alleviate some BSOD incidents, it’s essential to understand that disabling HMB could impact the SSD’s performance significantly—though the extent varies based on the specific model and its usage patterns.

A Call for Patience: Awaiting Permanent Solutions​

As the tech community frets over these Blue Screens, Microsoft is expected to muster a permanent solution for this hiccup in future updates. If your SSD’s performance is essential for your daily tasks or gaming sessions, you might want to consider holding off on this update until an official fix rolls out.

In Conclusion: Software and Hardware—A Double-Edged Sword​

This scenario serves as a stark reminder of how software updates, while essential, can also precipitate unforeseen compatibility challenges. It underscores the importance of being mindful of updates, especially when they interact with specific hardware configurations. As we navigate this digital landscape fraught with potential pitfalls, staying informed and prepared can make all the difference.
If you're one of the unlucky souls grappling with BSOD issues post-Windows 11 24H2 update, consider sharing your experiences on our forum. Your insights could be invaluable to others facing the same tech tribulations!
Source: PC-Tablet India Windows 11 24H2 Update Causing Blue Screen of Death on Some Systems with Western Digital SSDs