SSD Manufacturers Release Firmware Updates to Fix Windows 11 24H2 BSOD Crashes

Microsoft is currently investigating reports that specific SSD models are triggering Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes on PCs running Windows 11 version 24H2. Western Digital and SanDisk have released new firmware updates to resolve this issue and ensure that affected users can prevent further system failures.

According to the reports on the Western Digital community forums, the Windows 11 2024 update (version 24H2) is causing system failures and Blue Screen of Death errors for select users. The issue stems from a problem with the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) affecting certain Western Digital and SanDisk SSD models, including the SanDisk Extreme M.2, WD Black SN770, WD Black SN770M, WD Blue SN580, and WD Blue SN5000.

After updating to Windows 11 version 24H2, users with the affected SSDs experience a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) displaying the error message “Critical Process Has Died.” The crashes are caused by faulty memory drivers that can’t handle the 200 HMBs used by these SSD models.

Microsoft implements upgrade block to prevent Windows 11 24H2 BSOD crashes

Fortunately, Western Digital and SanDisk have released new firmware updates to fix the BSOD crash issues on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented a safeguard to block affected users from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 until the latest firmware is installed. Users experiencing crashes are advised to download the latest firmware patches through the SSD manufacturer’s download tool or by visiting the official support page.

Earlier this month, Microsoft began rolling out Windows 11 version 24H2 to non-Copilot+ PCs. Since then, several issues have been confirmed, including problems with fingerprint sensors and compatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers, which are preventing the update from being installed on some Windows 11 devices.