Windows 11 24H2 Update Causes BSOD Issues with WD SSDs

In a striking turn of events, the latest update to Windows 11, version 24H2, has triggered an uproar among users, particularly those utilizing Western Digital (WD) SSDs. Reports flooded in detailing system crashes accompanied by the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), a nightmare scenario for any Windows user. The catalyst for this chaos appears to be tied to incompatibilities between this Windows update and certain WD SSD models, notably the WD Black SN770 and SN580.

A Technical Breakdown of the Issue​

The core problem revolves around the implementation of the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) feature, a technology designed to leverage an SSD's DRAM to enhance caching and speed up data operations. In theory, this should result in a more responsive computing experience. However, the Windows 11 24H2 update erroneously allocates up to 200MB of cache memory for HMB—far exceeding the typical 64MB provision that WD SSDs are designed to handle.
This abnormal allocation is what seems to be causing the system disruptions, as users encountered error messages indicating controller errors related to their SSDs, such as "stornvme" and "The driver detected a controller error on -Device-RaidPort1 or 2." It's not just a minor glitch; this discrepancy is leading to widespread instability where users find their systems crashing unexpectedly.

User Options: Immediate Remedies​

For those grappling with this predicament, there are two primary courses of action to mitigate the issue:

1. Rollback to Previous Windows Version: Users can revert their systems back to a prior stable version of Windows which does not exhibit this problem. This is often the quickest fix but involves the risk of losing newer features introduced in the update.
2. Limit HMB Memory Usage: As a more technical solution, users can utilize the Registry Editor to manually adjust HMB memory allocation. This involves setting the HMB memory back to 64MB, which aligns with the SSDs’ designed capacity. Here’s how to do it:
   • Type regedit in the Windows Search bar and press Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\storahci\Parameters\Device.
   • Find the HMB allocation entry and set it to 64MB.
   • Restart your computer.

By making this adjustment, users may be able to retain the recent Windows update while avoiding unanticipated crashes.

Western Digital's Response​

Western Digital has acknowledged the issue within their user forums and has been actively engaging in discussions regarding a potential fix. However, as of now, no official resolution has been rolled out. In scenarios like this, communication from manufacturers is vital to maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

The Broader Implication​

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compatibility testing, especially when dealing with significant software updates. Users should always maintain backups and remain aware of the hardware specifications and limitations of their systems. Additionally, it underscores the critical role that manufacturers like WD play in ensuring that their hardware integrates seamlessly with evolving software ecosystems.
Key Takeaway: Windows 11 users with WD SSDs need to act quickly to address the issues stemming from the 24H2 update, whether rolling back their systems or tweaking Registry settings to restore stability.
As the situation develops, we recommend keeping an eye on official channels for updates from Microsoft and Western Digital for any upcoming fixes that may provide a permanent resolution to this unfortunate predicament.
This chaos not only disrupts individual users but also paints a larger picture of the complexities involved in maintaining software and hardware compatibility in fast-evolving tech environments.
Source: Times Now Windows 11 Update Sparks Chaos: WD SSDs Trigger Widespread Crashes and Blue Screen of Death