Windows 11 SSD Issues: Microsoft Denies Update Link,Investigation Continues
SEATTLE,WA – August 30,2025 – Reports of widespread solid-state drive (SSD) failures following the August 2025 windows security updates have prompted investigations from both Microsoft and SSD manufacturer Phison. While user reports detailed SSDs becoming inaccessible during sustained, large-file write operations, Microsoft now asserts no connection exists between the updates and the reported drive failures.
The controversy centers on Windows 11, version 24H2, and affects users experiencing data access problems when continuously copying ample files or a large single file to their SSDs. In some instances, affected systems required a reboot to restore functionality, though this fix wasn’t consistently effective. The potential for data loss and system instability has raised concerns among users, particularly those relying on SSDs for critical data storage and system performance. the situation highlights the complex interplay between operating system updates, hardware compatibility, and data management practices.
Initial reports surfaced shortly after the release of the August 2025 security updates. users on social media and tech forums described SSDs becoming unresponsive, leading to fears of widespread hardware damage. Microsoft acknowledged the reports and initiated an internal investigation to determine the cause. Simultaneously, Phison, a prominent SSD controller manufacturer, also began its own inquiry.
After conducting over 4,500 cumulative hours of testing on drives believed to be affected, Phison stated on August 29, 2025, that it was unable to replicate the issue.The company further reported that no customers or partners had come forward with confirmed instances of drive failures during the testing period. This finding added to the complexity of the situation,suggesting the problem might be isolated or dependent on specific system configurations.
On August 30, 2025, Microsoft published a statement via its Admin Portal (Admin Portal) explicitly denying any link between the August 2025 Windows security update and the reported SSD failures. The company stated, “After thorough investigation, Microsoft has found no connection between the August 2025 Windows security update and the types of hard drive failures reported on social media. As always, we continue to monitor feedback after the release of every Windows update, and will investigate any future reports.”
Despite the investigations, the root cause of the SSD issues remains undetermined.Both Microsoft and Phison suggest the problem may stem from an unrelated factor affecting the systems of users who experienced the failures. This leaves affected users seeking solutions independently.
As a precautionary measure, users are advised to avoid scenarios involving continuous, large-volume data writes to SSDs that are at least 60 percent full. Alternatives include utilizing separate internal or external storage devices for substantial write operations or delaying tasks like large game installations or major updates until the underlying issue is resolved.
