Windows 11 “SSD-crash” panic

Windows 11 Update Causing SSD Crashes – What You Must Know

The latest Windows 11 August 2025 security update (KB5063878) has created a storm among users. Reports are pouring in that this update is causing SSD crashes, data corruption, and even bricking drives during heavy workloads. While Microsoft has not fully admitted the issue, user experiences suggest the update is directly linked to these problems.

How the Update Is Crashing SSDs

Many users noticed the problem right after installing the August security patch. The common pattern reported:

When the SSD is more than 60% full.
During large file transfers or big game installations (50GB+).
The drive suddenly disappears from Windows, leading to data corruption.
In worst cases, the SSD becomes undetectable even in BIOS, effectively “bricked.”

This suggests the update is interfering with how Windows 11 handles NVMe SSD write operations, pushing drives into critical failure conditions.

Is Windows 10 Affected?

So far, the most severe issues are tied to Windows 11 24H2 builds. However, Windows 10 also received related cumulative updates in August, and some users have reported minor storage-related glitches. While not as widespread, the possibility of Windows 10 being affected cannot be ruled out completely.

What This Means for You

If you updated to KB5063878 or the related preview patch KB5062660, your SSD might be at risk. Even if you haven’t faced problems yet, the issue seems to occur during heavy usage when drives are close to full capacity. For anyone handling important data, this is a serious risk.

How to Prevent SSD Crash After Update

Here are practical steps to reduce the risk until Microsoft releases a fix:

Backup your data immediately – keep a copy on an external drive or cloud.
Avoid large file transfers on nearly full SSDs until the issue is resolved.
Check for firmware updates – SSD makers like Samsung, Crucial, WD, and Kingston may issue patches to improve stability.
Pause Windows Updates temporarily – go to Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates.
Enable TRIM and monitor SSD health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.
Use a heatsink or proper cooling if you have high-performance NVMe drives.

If Your SSD Already Failed

If your SSD vanished or got corrupted after the update:

Check BIOS to see if it still detects the drive.
Test in another slot or adapter.
Use the manufacturer’s recovery tools if available.
If data is critical, avoid DIY fixes and contact a professional recovery service.

Should You Uninstall the Update?

Yes, if you rely on your system for critical work. To uninstall:

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History → Uninstall updates.
Select KB5063878 and remove it.
Pause updates until Microsoft provides a stable patch.

Final Thoughts

Whether Microsoft admits it or not, user reports strongly indicate the August 2025 Windows 11 update is crashing SSDs. If you value your data, don’t take chances—backup, update firmware, and consider rolling back the patch. Windows 10 users are slightly safer, but caution is still advised.