Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 security update KB5063878 (August 12, 2025) is under fire after multiple reports surfaced of solid-state drives (SSDs) disappearing—or even becoming permanently unusable—under certain conditions. While not everyone is affected, the risk of data loss is significant enough to warrant caution.
What’s the Problem With the Latest Windows Update?
The update appears to trigger failures when large continuous writes (50GB or more) are performed on SSDs that are over 60% full. In these scenarios, drives may:
- Disappear from Windows 11 (and sometimes BIOS)
- Show up as RAW partitions
- Become temporarily inaccessible but return after a reboot
- In rare cases, become permanently unrecoverable
While the bug has mainly been observed with SSDs, there are also reports of HDDs being affected.
Windows Update SSD Stress Test Findings
X user @Necoru_cat (Nekorusukii) ran stress tests across 21 SSD models from Samsung, WD, Corsair, SK hynix, Crucial, ADATA, Seagate, and others. The test involved writing and decompressing a 62GB archive repeatedly after reboots.
- NG Lv.1 (Temporary failure): Drive disappeared, but reboot restored functionality.
- NG Lv.2 (Permanent failure): Drive data unrecoverable, even after reboot.
The most severe case was a WD Blue SA510 2TB SATA SSD, which became permanently unusable. Several other drives failed under stress but returned after a restart.
Which SSDs Are Impacted by the KB5063878 Update?
The issue is not limited to one brand. Early reports and testing suggest higher risk for drives using certain Phison NAND controllers, though failures were also observed across other manufacturers. Affected drives include:
- Corsair Force MP600
- SSDs with Phison PS5012-E12 controllers
- KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G4 / KIOXIA M.2 SSDs
- SanDisk Extreme Pro 3D
- InnoGrit and Maxio SSDs
By contrast, Silicon Motion confirmed that its SSD controllers are not affected by the bug.
Recovery Tools Broken in a Separate Windows Update Bug
To make matters worse, a separate August update (KB5063875) caused “Reset this PC” and recovery operations to fail on Windows 10 and some Windows 11 versions. Microsoft has since released an out-of-band emergency patch (KB5066189/KB5066188) to fix this.
While unrelated to the SSD failures, it highlights why caution is needed with recent updates.
Fixes and Workarounds for SSD Failure After Windows Update KB5063878
While Microsoft has not yet released a permanent patch for the KB5063878 bug, there are several fixes and workarounds you can try to reduce the risk or recover from issues:
1. Roll Back the Update
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update History
- Select Uninstall Updates
- Find KB5063878 and remove it
This will return your system to the previous stable state until a fix is released.
2. Pause Windows Updates
To avoid reinstalling the buggy patch:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Pause Updates for 1–5 weeks
This buys time while Microsoft works on a solution.
3. Avoid Heavy Write Operations
Until a fix is available, avoid:
- Large file transfers (50GB+)
- Installing huge games or apps
- Filling SSDs beyond 60% capacity
4. Back Up Your Data Immediately
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:
- 3 copies of important files
- 2 different media types (local + cloud/external)
- 1 off-site backup for safety
5. Try Recovery Tools if SSD Disappears
If your SSD vanishes or shows as RAW:
- Reboot your system (may restore it temporarily)
- Use TestDisk or similar tools to rebuild partition tables
- If unrecoverable (e.g., WD Blue SA510 case), consult professional recovery services
6. Wait for Microsoft’s Official Fix
Microsoft and Phison are investigating. Keep an eye on Windows Update and your SSD vendor’s site for firmware patches.
Should You Worry About This Windows 11 SSD Bug?
Not every system or drive is impacted—many users with the same update report no issues. Still, because failures occur under specific workloads, the safest approach is to limit heavy writes and keep backups.
For casual users, the risk is low during normal daily tasks. For gamers and professionals dealing with large installs or video editing workloads, the risk is higher.
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