Don’t update to Windows 11 24/7 without doing so first: you may experience a blue screen.
Problems with Windows 11 24H2 update and SSDs
The Windows 11 24H2 update was released in early October, but since its release, many users have encountered issues such as blue screens, lost storage space, and the need to meet strict hardware requirements. It has now been revealed that the update is also causing serious errors on systems with some Western Digital and SanDisk SSDs. These errors are related to the host memory buffer (HMB) of SSDs, which causes critical system crashes known as blue screens of death.
How to fix the problem before updating
If you have a Western Digital or SanDisk SSD, the safest solution before installing the Windows 11 24H2 update is to update the SSD firmware. Manufacturers have released new firmware versions that fix this problem and prevent blue screens from occurring. It is recommended that you perform this update before you install the operating system to ensure that errors do not affect the performance of your computer.
To update the firmware, Western Digital has provided a tool called Western Digital Dashboard. This application detects the model of the installed SSD and allows you to easily update the firmware. In addition, the application offers you additional information about the status of the SSD, its temperature, read and write speed.
What to do if you have already updated to Windows 11 24H2
If you’ve already installed the Windows 11 24H2 update and are experiencing problems, updating your SSD firmware should fix the errors. After the update, the system should work fine. However, if you have not yet updated to the latest version of Windows, it is advisable to do so only after you have updated the firmware of your SSD. In fact, manufacturers are suggesting that Microsoft may block access to the update for those users with affected SSDs who have not completed this firmware update.
In short, before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, make sure your SSD firmware is up to date to avoid possible system crashes and ensure a smooth installation.