Microsoft Halts Windows 11 24H2 Update for SSD Users (WD, Sandisk) After BSOD Issues

It’s been just over two weeks since the Windows 11 24H2 update began its rollout to stable channel users, and already several issues have surfaced. Recently, users of Sandisk SSDs have reported encountering BSOD errors following the installation of this latest update, adding to the troubles already faced by WD SSD users. As a result, Microsoft has informed Windows Latest that it is taking precautionary measures by blocking the update for certain SSD models.

We previously highlighted this issue when it first emerged for some WD users. Based on our evaluations and feedback, it appears that certain SSDs require up to 200MB of host memory buffer. The previous Windows 11 23H2 version appropriately managed this need by providing a buffer of only 64GB. However, with the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has increased this to 200MB as required, which inadvertently triggered the Critical Process Died BSOD.

This issue can be rectified by adjusting the setting to “HMBAllocationPolicy = 0” , but fortunately, there’s no need for any registry adjustments as Sandisk and WD have released comprehensive firmware updates. Furthermore, Microsoft has announced a halt on the Windows 11 2024 Update for devices running older firmware.

“Microsoft is preventing systems with affected SSD models from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 until they receive the firmware update,” Microsoft stated to Windows Latest.

Below are the SSD models that Sandisk officially acknowledges are experiencing BSOD issues:

• WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD 2TB
• WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD 2TB
• SanDisk Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB

How can you resolve the BSOD problem with Windows 11 24H2?

Due to the widespread nature of this issue, Microsoft will refrain from allowing the installation of the update until the SSD firmware has been upgraded.

Sandisk has released updated firmware that is compatible with Windows 11 24H2.

To resolve the issue, simply download the Western Digital Dashboard tool, then proceed to download and install the latest firmware on your SSD. Sandisk advises users to back up their data beforehand to mitigate the potential risk of data loss during the update process.

This straightforward resolution should have ideally been available prior to the 24H2 rollout. It’s unclear whether the responsibility lies with the device manufacturers or Microsoft. Interestingly, the 24H2 version has been part of the Insider program for a year, yet several widely used SSDs still lack the necessary firmware updates.

If you’re using an SSD from another brand and are having similar issues, you can consult our guide on disabling the Host Memory Buffer allocation via registry edits to prevent the BSOD from occurring.

While Windows 11 24H2 offers a range of exciting features, we recommend holding off on the update until Microsoft addresses the seven identified bugs, many of which arose shortly after its release. Most of these issues are linked to firmware, which will hopefully be resolved once manufacturers provide new drivers.

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