Potential SSD Detection Bug in Windows 11 24H2 Following Update KB5063878 (August 12, 2025)

Titus Tolbert (Sr. Dev Operation, Hoka corp) 540 Reputation points
2025-08-28T02:39:36.0933333+00:00

I had installed Windows update KB5063878 on August 12, 2025, and get multiple reports have surfaced from my users indicating a critical issue affecting M.2 solid-state drives (SSDs).

Observed Issue:

After installing the KB5063878 update on systems running Windows 11 version 24H2, some users experience disappearing SSDs—i.e., the drive is no longer detected by the system. The issue seems to occur under the following conditions:

  • The SSD is more than 80% full
  • A continuous write load of ~55 GB or more is applied
  • This is commonly observed when downloading or installing large files, such as modern video games

User's image

Any confirmed information or guidance about this ? Thank you

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

9 answers

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  1. DaveM121 904.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-28T08:03:16.34+00:00

    There is a confirmed problem with the August KB5063878 update causing problems with SSD drives that have a Phison controller.

    If you have installed that update, then to avoid the problem, do not transfer large amounts of data to/from the SSD until Microsoft have patched the problems in that update, if you have not installed the update, then pause your updates until the September update is released or an out of band update is released by Microsoft to address the problem.

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  2. Mario Liebisch 51 Reputation points
    2025-09-02T10:05:15.11+00:00

    I can reproduce the issue on my main PC (2x Samsung 990 Pro 4TB), but it also happens after uninstalling the mentioned updates (and I think I might even had it happen once in late July, possibly connected to a different update?).

    Two weeks ago I had my E: drive suddenly become unresponsive (drive letter still there, showing correct space allocation etc.). After a reboot everything was fine again.

    Then I uninstalled both suspected Windows updates.

    Late last week I then tried to create my monthly backup and Acronis True Image (latest version) would trigger an UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION (or so) BSOD every time I tried to run the backup for my system drive after writing probably somewhere between 5 and 50 GB to an external USB drive (probably at around 150MB/s). After the restart the system would no longer boot since the system drive was missing completely. Power cycling fixed it again.

    Drive firmware is up to date, as is UEFI and controller drivers according to Intel's update tool.

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  3. Jako 5 Reputation points
    2025-08-30T22:31:27.77+00:00

    This video posted by a well-known, credible gaming channel, JayzTwoCents, shows steps to reproduce the issue and confirms the link between KB5063878 and Phison controllers:
    [Link removed]

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  4. John 15 Reputation points
    2025-08-30T19:17:24.1+00:00

    Windows 11 Users Report SSD Failures After KB5063878 Update

    Since mid-August 2025, growing concerns have emerged among Windows 11 users about potential SSD failures following the installation of security update KB5063878. Reports describe disappearing drives, corrupted files, and reboots that fail to resolve the problem. While most of the complaints have surfaced in Japan, discussions are spreading across global tech forums.

    Microsoft has officially launched an investigation, alongside SSD controller manufacturers such as Phison, to determine whether the update is linked to the problem. However, the company insists that no evidence currently supports a direct correlation.

    So, is KB5063878 really putting SSDs at risk—or is this a case of coincidence amplified by social media?

    User Reports: Disks Disappearing After Large File Transfers

    The controversy began on social platforms where users described sudden SSD failures during heavy data operations. Affected systems were typically:

    Running Windows 11 24H2

    Recently updated with KB5063878

    Handling large file transfers (50GB+)

    Operating on drives over 60% full

    Some users managed to recover their storage after a reboot, but others lost access entirely. Notably, the issue didn’t only affect niche brands—popular SSDs such as the Corsair Force MP600, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Kioxia drives were frequently mentioned. Many of these drives use InnoGrit or Phison controllers.

    Microsoft’s Response: “No Evidence of a Bug”

    Despite the online panic, Microsoft has denied any confirmed link between KB5063878 and SSD instability. After internal reviews of telemetry data, support tickets, and lab testing, the company claims it found no unusual spike in SSD failure rates.

    In an official statement, Microsoft assured users:

    “We continue to monitor all Windows updates closely and have not found evidence that KB5063878 causes SSD corruption or failure.”

    The company has encouraged affected users to submit detailed reports through the Feedback Hub or official support channels to help with further investigation.

    Phison Under the Microscope

    Since Phison controllers are widely used in the SSDs mentioned, attention quickly shifted to the manufacturer. In response, Phison conducted an extensive test campaign:

    4,500+ hours of cumulative testing

    2,200 verification cycles

    No reproduction of the reported failures

    The company suggested that misinformation on social media may have amplified isolated incidents. However, it still advises users running high-intensity workloads to equip their SSDs with heatsinks to reduce thermal stress.

    Real Bug or False Alarm?

    The mystery remains unresolved. On one side, user reports describe repeatable problems under certain conditions. On the other, both Microsoft and Phison argue that testing and telemetry show no evidence of a widespread bug.

    For now, the situation points to rare, hard-to-verify cases rather than a systemic failure. Still, the growing number of anecdotes keeps the issue alive.

    What Should Windows 11 Users Do?

    While waiting for further clarification, you can take practical steps to reduce risk:

    • Avoid large file transfers on nearly full SSDs (above 60% capacity).

    Update SSD firmware and controller drivers to the latest versions.

    Use a heatsink if your SSD is frequently under heavy load.

    Monitor official announcements from Microsoft and your SSD manufacturer.

    • Consider pausing Windows Updates temporarily if you have mission-critical systems. Windows 11 Users Report SSD Failures After KB5063878 Update Since mid-August 2025, growing concerns have emerged among Windows 11 users about potential SSD failures following the installation of security update KB5063878. Reports describe disappearing drives, corrupted files, and reboots that fail to resolve the problem. While most of the complaints have surfaced in Japan, discussions are spreading across global tech forums. Microsoft has officially launched an investigation, alongside SSD controller manufacturers such as Phison, to determine whether the update is linked to the problem. However, the company insists that no evidence currently supports a direct correlation. So, is KB5063878 really putting SSDs at risk—or is this a case of coincidence amplified by social media? User Reports: Disks Disappearing After Large File Transfers The controversy began on social platforms where users described sudden SSD failures during heavy data operations. Affected systems were typically: Running Windows 11 24H2 Recently updated with KB5063878 Handling large file transfers (50GB+) Operating on drives over 60% full

    Some users managed to recover their storage after a reboot, but others lost access entirely. Notably, the issue didn’t only affect niche brands—popular SSDs such as the Corsair Force MP600, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Kioxia drives were frequently mentioned. Many of these drives use InnoGrit or Phison controllers.

    Microsoft’s Response: “No Evidence of a Bug”

    Despite the online panic, Microsoft has denied any confirmed link between KB5063878 and SSD instability. After internal reviews of telemetry data, support tickets, and lab testing, the company claims it found no unusual spike in SSD failure rates.

    In an official statement, Microsoft assured users:

    “We continue to monitor all Windows updates closely and have not found evidence that KB5063878 causes SSD corruption or failure.”

    The company has encouraged affected users to submit detailed reports through the Feedback Hub or official support channels to help with further investigation.

    Phison Under the Microscope

    Since Phison controllers are widely used in the SSDs mentioned, attention quickly shifted to the manufacturer. In response, Phison conducted an extensive test campaign:

    4,500+ hours of cumulative testing

    2,200 verification cycles

    No reproduction of the reported failures

    The company suggested that misinformation on social media may have amplified isolated incidents. However, it still advises users running high-intensity workloads to equip their SSDs with heatsinks to reduce thermal stress.

    Real Bug or False Alarm?

    The mystery remains unresolved. On one side, user reports describe repeatable problems under certain conditions. On the other, both Microsoft and Phison argue that testing and telemetry show no evidence of a widespread bug.

    For now, the situation points to rare, hard-to-verify cases rather than a systemic failure. Still, the growing number of anecdotes keeps the issue alive.

    What Should Windows 11 Users Do?

    While waiting for further clarification, you can take practical steps to reduce risk:

    • Avoid large file transfers on nearly full SSDs (above 60% capacity).
    • Update SSD firmware and controller drivers to the latest versions.
    • Use a heatsink if your SSD is frequently under heavy load.
    • Monitor official announcements from Microsoft and your SSD manufacturer.
    • Consider pausing Windows Updates temporarily if you have mission-critical systems.

    source

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  5. Haytham-C 4,295 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-28T07:16:50.8033333+00:00

    Hello Titus Tolbert (Sr. Dev Operation, Hoka corp)

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A and informed about the issue. As far as I known, the issue with SSD disappear after install update KB5063878 has been reported by many other user and Microsoft have indicated they're aware and currently working on a patch for this issue. However, there is a simple workaround for this, please reboot your PC, since a simple reboot can allow the driver to re-appear in Windows.

    In case after reboot and the SSD still having issue, please submit your feedback via Microsoft Feedback Portal

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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