Windows 11 version 24H2 users are experiencing severe storage device failures following recent system updates, with reports indicating complete data access loss and potential irreversible information damage. The issue affects both solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), raising significant concerns about data integrity and system stability.
Technical Analysis of Storage Drive Failures
Initial investigations by security researchers have identified a concerning pattern in Windows 11’s behavior following specific system updates. Storage devices equipped with Phison NAND controllers become inaccessible during intensive write operations, including large file saves, bulk data transfers, or substantial gaming update installations.
The root cause appears linked to two specific Microsoft updates: the August security patch KB5063878 and the preview update KB5062660. Technical analysis suggests the problem stems from drive caching errors and memory leaks within the operating system’s buffered storage areas, creating a critical vulnerability in data handling processes.
Critical Failure Thresholds and Affected Hardware
Comprehensive testing has revealed specific conditions that trigger these storage failures. SSD drives with over 60% capacity utilization experience failures after approximately 50GB of continuous data writing. Similar issues manifest on traditional hard drives, though with varying thresholds depending on the controller architecture.
Phison NAND controllers demonstrate particular vulnerability, with models lacking integrated DRAM memory showing instability at even lower data volumes. This creates heightened risks for users of budget-oriented SSD drives that typically omit DRAM caching to reduce manufacturing costs.
Scope of Impact and Device Compatibility
The problem extends across multiple storage device manufacturers and models, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated hardware failures. Affected devices include:
SanDisk Extreme Pro, Corsair Force MP600, Maxio SSD, KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G4, and various KIOXIA M.2 SSD models. The common thread among these devices is their use of Phison PS5012-E12 and InnoGrit controllers, suggesting the vulnerability affects entire controller families rather than specific device models.
Microsoft’s Response and Investigation Status
Microsoft has acknowledged awareness of the storage failure reports and initiated collaborative investigations with hardware partners. However, the company faces challenges reproducing the issues in controlled laboratory environments. Internal testing and telemetry data have not detected increased disk failure rates or file corruption incidents through their standard monitoring systems.
Notably, Microsoft’s support channels have received limited formal complaints from affected users. The company actively encourages users experiencing these issues to report detailed failure information through Support for Business channels or the Feedback Hub to facilitate proper diagnosis and resolution.
Hardware Manufacturer Acknowledgment
Phison has officially recognized the potential impact of updates KB5063878 and KB5062660 on storage devices utilizing their controllers. Company representatives confirmed ongoing verification of affected controller models and active collaboration with partners to develop comprehensive solutions.
Risk Mitigation Strategies and User Recommendations
Until Microsoft releases corrective patches, Windows 11 24H2 users should implement cautious data handling practices. Avoid single-session file operations involving tens of gigabytes and partition large data transfers into smaller, manageable segments to reduce controller stress.
When extracting large archives containing numerous files (such as 200 files of 200MB each), perform operations in stages rather than simultaneously. This approach significantly reduces storage controller load and minimizes critical failure probability.
This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining regular data backups and exercising caution when installing system updates. Users should monitor Microsoft’s official communication channels for patch release announcements and temporarily limit intensive write operations on devices with Phison controllers. Implementing robust backup strategies becomes essential until permanent fixes are deployed, ensuring data protection against unexpected storage failures.
