SSD failures due to Windows update: Silicon Motion not affected

Writing large amounts of data is said to have led to failures in some SSDS after the last Windows update KB5063878, according to some Japanese media. Heise forums also reported failures. Microsoft is investigating the problem, but has not yet commented on it.

After large data transfers, i.e. writing data volumes in excess of around 50 GB, the data carriers are often said to be unresponsive and disappear from the drive overview. After a restart, the issue should be resolved in most cases, but there are isolated reports of permanently unusable SSDs. There are also reports of hard disk failures.

According to the investigations of a Japanese user, SSDs with Phison controllers as well as models from Western Digital, SK Hynix, Crucial, HP and XPG/Adata, which use other controllers, are particularly affected.

Now the SSD manufacturer Silicon Motion has come forward. In a statement to the American magazine Techpowerup, the company writes that none of its SSD controllers have yet been affected by the Windows 11 update error. What is particularly interesting is that Silicon Motion describes the problem as a Windows bug.

Fake list from Phison emerges

A list of affected Phison controllers is also circulating on the Internet. However, this does not originate from Phison, as the company has announced. Phison also intends to take legal action against the author of the list.

Phison is also in contact with Microsoft to isolate the issue and will provide firmware updates if required. However, the company has not yet published any further details.

Recommended action: Avoid copying large amounts of data

According to Microsoft, the Windows update fixes security issues. We therefore advise against uninstalling the update. Instead, users should avoid copying large amounts of data until the problem has been resolved. (ll)