Potential Windows 11 security update may inadvertently erase solid-state drives, offering tactics to prevent catastrophic data loss
In the recent Windows 11 landscape, users have reported storage issues with the version 24H2 security update KB5063878. These problems occur primarily on Solid-State Drives (SSDs) when large data transfers (around 50GB or more) are performed on drives that are over 60% full.
The issue is not limited to a specific brand or controller. While many reports involve SSDs with Phison controllers, the problem has also been observed on drives with InnoGrit and Maxio controllers, and possibly others. The root cause seems to be a Windows update bug, triggered by a combination of factors including firmware behavior, queue depth handling, and changed Windows write-back behavior, rather than a specific SSD brand or controller flaw.
Microsoft and storage companies are currently investigating the issue. In the meantime, users who have installed KB5063878 and have SSDs near or over 60% full are advised to avoid performing large continuous write operations until a fix is released. Backing up important data immediately is also recommended to prevent potential data loss.
For those who wish to prevent further SSD issues, uninstalling the KB5063878 update via Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates might be a temporary solution. However, it is crucial to monitor Windows Update and manufacturer advisories for patches or further instructions.
A follow-up report from user @Necoru_cat (aka Nekorusukii) revealed similar storage issues with the KB5063878 update. Nekorusukii tested 21 SSDs and suspects that it's a Phison NAND controller that's most likely to cause the problem. However, it's important to note that the list of affected SSDs has been broadened to include Corsair Force MP600, SSDs using the Phison PS5012-E12 controller, KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G4 / KIOXIA M.2 SSDs, Fikwot FN955, SSDs using the InnoGrit controller, Maxio SSDs, and SanDisk Extreme Pro 3D.
The storage issues can result in SSDs disappearing from the OS, partitions becoming unreadable (showing as RAW), file explorer crashes, and I/O errors. In some cases, data loss has been reported. These issues also render certain data unrecoverable.
The installation error with code Ox80240069, which was caused by attempts to deploy the update through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), has been patched and should no longer be a problem.
This incident serves as a reminder to make regular backups of important data to prevent data loss. As the risks of relying solely on cloud storage for data have been highlighted following several high-profile data loss stories, the 3-2-1 backup rule is recommended. This implies three copies of data, two on different types of media or devices, and one off-site.
In the age of cloud storage, the 3-2-1 method might look like one copy on the PC's internal storage, one on an external drive, and one in the cloud. By following this rule, users can minimise the risk of data loss due to issues like the one currently affecting the Windows 11 update KB5063878.
[1] Tom's Hardware (19 August 2025). Phison Confirms Windows 11 KB5063878 Storage Issue, Provides Workaround. Retrieved from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/phison-windows-11-kb5063878-storage-issue-workaround
[2] NichePCGamer (15 August 2025). Windows 11 KB5063878 Update Causes Storage Issues on Certain SSDs. Retrieved from https://www.nichepcgamer.com/windows-11-kb5063878-update-causes-storage-issues-on-certain-ssds/
[3] Nekorusukii (13 August 2025). Windows 11 KB5063878 Storage Issue: A Phison NAND Controller Problem? Retrieved from https://www.nekorusukii.com/windows-11-kb5063878-storage-issue-a-phison-nand-controller-problem/
[4] Microsoft Support. Uninstall updates in Windows 11. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uninstall-updates-in-windows-11-1c7e5726-041e-44c9-9555-186189b04617
Read also:
- EV Charging Network Broadens Reach in Phoenix, Arizona (Greenlane Extends Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Phoenix)
- China's Automotive Landscape Shifts - Toyota Pioneers Innovative Strategy for Self-Driving Cars
- Enhancing Business Efficiency: Premium Strategies Revealed
- Smart-home integration inflates EV charging efficiency
