Silicon Motion SSDs Unaffected by Recent Windows Update Issues

Recent reports have indicated that certain solid-state drives (SSDs) have experienced failures following the installation of the latest Windows update, specifically update KB5063878. This issue, highlighted by various media outlets and online discussions, suggests that large data transfers may lead to SSD inaccessibility.

Users have reported that after writing data exceeding approximately 50 gigabytes, their drives became unresponsive and disappeared from the system's drive list. While many have found that restarting their computers resolves the issue, there are concerning accounts of drives becoming permanently unusable. Additionally, some users have noted similar failures occurring with traditional hard drives.

Investigations by a Japanese user revealed that the issue primarily affects SSDs utilizing Phison controllers, along with models from manufacturers such as Western Digital, SK Hynix, Crucial, HP, and XPG/Adata that employ different controller brands.

In response to these developments, SSD manufacturer Silicon Motion has issued a statement through the American publication Techpowerup, asserting that none of their SSD controllers have been impacted by the Windows update. The company has classified the situation as a bug related to the Windows operating system.

Meanwhile, there has been misinformation circulating online regarding a list of affected Phison controllers. Phison has clarified that this list did not originate from them and is considering legal action against its creator. The company is in contact with Microsoft to address the issue and may provide firmware updates as needed, although no specific details have yet been shared.

As a recommendation, users are advised to refrain from performing large data transfers until the situation is resolved. Microsoft has stated that the update addresses security vulnerabilities, suggesting that users should avoid uninstalling it. Instead, they should monitor ongoing developments regarding the SSD failures.