- 1 Introduction
- 2 1. Timeline of the “Disappearing SSD” Issue
- 3 2. What Is “Pre-Release Firmware”?
- 4 3. Affected SSD Models
- 5 4. Why Was Windows Blamed?
- 6 5. What Users Should Do Now
- 7 6. Advanced Recovery Tips (For Experienced Users)
- 8 7. Key Takeaways
- 9 Practical Advice
- 10 [PR] Protect Your Data Before It’s Too Late
- 11 Related Articles
Introduction
Since the summer of 2025, reports have flooded forums and social media claiming:
“My SSD suddenly disappeared after a Windows update” or “My PC won’t boot anymore.”
Because these incidents often occurred right after installing Windows 11 version 24H2 cumulative updates, many assumed Microsoft’s patches were to blame.
However, further investigation revealed a different root cause.
The culprit was not Windows itself, but a bug hidden in pre-release firmware used on certain Phison-based SSDs.
This article explains how the misunderstanding spread, which SSDs were affected, and what actions you should take to protect your data.
1. Timeline of the “Disappearing SSD” Issue
- After installing Windows 11 24H2 updates (such as KB5063878), some users reported their SSDs suddenly vanished.
- Because the problem occurred immediately after Windows Update, suspicion fell on Microsoft.
- Phison later confirmed that an unfinished pre-release firmware shipped on some SSD models was the actual trigger.
- Windows Update merely stressed the drives with large file writes, exposing the hidden bug.
2. What Is “Pre-Release Firmware”?
Firmware is the brain of your SSD. Before mass production, manufacturers sometimes ship “pre-release” versions for testing. If such firmware accidentally reaches consumers, stability issues can arise.
In this case, SSDs running pre-release firmware failed under certain conditions:
- Continuous write operations over 50GB → freeze and loss of recognition
- Malfunction in cache/HMB (Host Memory Buffer) processing
- SSD became invisible even in BIOS after reboot
Thus, Windows Update acted only as a catalyst by generating massive update file writes.
3. Affected SSD Models
According to reports, drives with Phison E12, E16, E18, and E21 controllers were the most affected. Examples include:
| Brand | Model Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair | Force MP600 / MP510 | E16/E12-based |
| Kioxia | Exceria Plus G4 / G3 | Some lots shipped with pre-release FW |
| SanDisk / WD | Extreme Pro NVMe, WD SN770, SN5000 | FW update strongly recommended |
| Crucial | P3 Plus | E21 controller |
| Others | Phison reference design SSDs | Smaller brands may also be impacted |
⚠️ Not all units are affected — it depends on production batches and shipping regions.
4. Why Was Windows Blamed?
Reason 1: Timing
The failures occurred right after updates, making Windows the obvious suspect.
Reason 2: Past Precedent
Earlier cases linked updates to SSD performance degradation, reinforcing user bias.
Reason 3: Silence from Microsoft
With no immediate statement, rumors spread unchecked on forums and Reddit.
As a result, the myth that “Windows killed my SSD” went viral before the truth surfaced.
5. What Users Should Do Now
(1) Update Your SSD Firmware
- Check vendor support pages for the latest firmware.
- Use official utilities like Corsair SSD Toolbox, WD Dashboard, or Crucial Storage Executive.
(2) Back Up Your Data
- Store critical files on external SSDs/HDDs or cloud services (OneDrive, Google Drive).
(3) Emergency Workarounds
- Connect the SSD to another PC and attempt file recovery.
- Boot from a Linux Live USB to copy data.
- Toggle SATA/NVMe mode in BIOS to force re-detection.
6. Advanced Recovery Tips (For Experienced Users)
- External case method: Use an M.2 NVMe → USB adapter to salvage data from another system.
- Virtual machine boot: Convert the SSD image to VHD/VMDK and run it in VirtualBox or VMware.
- Forced reflash tools: Some vendors provide hidden “mass production utilities” to reflash bricked SSDs.
⚠️ These methods carry high risk of permanent data loss — proceed with caution.
7. Key Takeaways
This incident proves not every post-update failure originates from Windows. Often, hardware-level bugs surface only under stress conditions.
Lessons learned:
- Firmware updates are as important as BIOS updates.
- Regular backups remain the ultimate safeguard.
- Keep an eye on vendor advisories, not just Microsoft announcements.
Practical Advice
Phison controllers power SSDs from Corsair, Kioxia, SanDisk, Crucial, and many others. If you own one:
- Apply the latest firmware before the next big Windows update.
- Never update SSD firmware on battery power — always use AC to avoid bricking.
- Verify backups on at least two different media.
[PR] Protect Your Data Before It’s Too Late
Even reliable SSDs can fail unexpectedly. Pair your system with external storage and cloud backup for peace of mind:
Related Articles
・How to Replace Your PC’s SSD by Yourself [2025 Guide]
・External HDD Not Recognized on Windows 11: Causes and Fixes (2025 Edition)
・External HDD/SSD Not Recognized (or Asking to Format): A Beginner-Friendly Fix Guide
