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

In the ever-evolving world of technology, software updates are like the culinary chefs of the digital realm—sometimes they whip up something incredible, and other times, they create a full-blown disaster. Recently, the much-anticipated Windows 11 24H2 Update turned from a gourmet delight into a recipe for disaster for some unlucky PC owners, leading to a wave of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors and significant frustration.

The Update Unveiled​

The Windows 11 24H2 update rolled out with a buffet of new features. Users were treated to enhancements in File Explorer, an updated Copilot experience, and even Wi-Fi 7 support, aimed at turbocharging your connectivity. But alongside this array of enticing features, a nasty little bug crept into the mix primarily affecting owners of specific Western Digital SSDs, particularly models like the SN770 and SN580.
Microsoft’s staged rollout strategy aimed at preventing widespread catastrophes in case of a significant failure has taken the spotlight again—unfortunately, it seems to have fallen short this time.

What Went Wrong?​

Reports of BSOD errors began flooding in as users installed the update. The culprits? NVMe storage drivers and RAID controllers interacting poorly with the new update. The root of the problem seems to involve how Windows 11 24H2 allocates Host Memory Buffer (HMB) for these SSDs. In layman's terms, while previous updates allocated a modest amount of memory, 24H2 has been generous—perhaps too generous—by allocating the full requested amount. This excessive allocation appears to trigger BSOD crashes, turning formerly stable systems into a digital nightmare.

Microsoft’s Response​

In response to this mounting issue, Microsoft has taken a proactive approach. The tech titan is now collaborating with Western Digital to identify affected hardware configurations and is reportedly considering halting the rollout for specific users. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of dealing with BSOD errors post-update, there is a temporary workaround: you can disable the HMB allocation by tinkering with the Windows registry. However, be forewarned—this could impact your SSD's performance, but it might just save you from those pesky crashes.

What Should Users Do?​

For those who own affected WD SSDs, the best advice as of now is to hold off on installing the update if you haven’t yet. Microsoft and Western Digital are working on a permanent fix, but no specific timeline has been provided. It’s a classic case of "better safe than sorry" while you wait for a resolution.

A Bigger Picture​

This predicament shines a light on an essential aspect of software development: the complexity of hardware and software compatibility. While Windows 11 aims to cater to a wide array of hardware configurations, it’s clear that not all combinations are created equally, leading to potential pitfalls.

Conclusion​

As this story unfolds, Windows users must stay vigilant about the implications of updates. Software updates should improve the user experience, not send it spiraling into chaos—yet here we are talking about how one well-intentioned update can lead to a cascade of computer crashes.
So, if you’re running Windows 11 and have a Western Digital SSD, you might want to sit tight until a solution is rolled out. Keep an eye on official updates from Microsoft, and remember: in the world of tech, sometimes it’s better to be a cautious optimist than a recklessly eager updater.
In the meantime, we would love to hear your experiences with Windows updates—have any of them led you into the realms of the BSOD? Share your stories below!
Source: How-To Geek The Windows 11 24H2 Update Broke Some PCs