Windows update may affect SSDs

Reports say the August KB5063878 update can cause SSDs to disappear on Windows 11, with varying impact across drives and enterprise setups.

Windows 11 August patch may make SSDs disappear

A wave of user reports on X and Reddit describes SSDs vanishing after applying the August Patch Tuesday update KB5063878 for Windows 11. The problems appear after heavy data writes and seem to affect multiple SSDs, though Microsoft has not publicly acknowledged a fault. Some posts point to Phison NAND controllers as more susceptible, but the issue is not yet tied to a single maker. The update package for Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2 includes security fixes and a new quick machine recovery feature.

The story also notes installation errors for devices managed by Windows Server Update Services and a workaround to refresh and resync update services. Microsoft has also flagged an issue with the Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider not loading during development, which does not currently threaten Windows booting. Meanwhile, Microsoft urges Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 as support ends in mid October and offers Extended Security Updates for eligible devices. Home users are advised to consider delaying the update until Microsoft confirms a fix.

This episode highlights the growing importance of patch reliability. When updates are pushed across millions of devices, even a small fault can disrupt business operations and erode trust. Enterprises rely on patch management workflows and rollback options, and the lack of a prompt official acknowledgment can fuel uncertainty. The incident should push vendors to improve testing and to provide clear impact assessments for customers. It also underscores a broader tension between rapid security fixes and system stability in large IT environments.

Highlights

The focus now should be on safety and transparency in patch delivery.