In August 2025, Microsoft released the security update KB5063878 for Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.4946). Shortly after, people started claiming that the update was linked to Solid-State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD) failures, particularly under heavy write loads of about 50GB or more. Both Microsoft and storage manufacturer Phison both stated that they have not been able to reproduce these failures in testing or telemetry, but the number of user complaints and YouTube videos about this problem is still rising. So follow along as we show you how to avoid this issue on your own system.

Takeaways:

  1. Is the KB5063878 update on Windows 11 really breaking drives?
  2. How do you stop Windows updates from breaking your hard drive and storage?

What Microsoft Has Said About This Issue?

Microsoft reports that its internal testing and telemetry data show no confirmed increase in storage failures or corruption after KB5063878. The company also noted that its support team has not received direct reports of failures but is collecting feedback from affected users to investigate further. Microsoft has acknowledged two known issues with this update:

  • Severe stuttering, lag, and degraded audio or video in apps such as OBS and NDI Tools
  • Error 0x80240069 during installation through Windows Server Updates Service (already resolved)

So far, Microsoft has not linked either issue to SSD or HDD failures. But I highly suggest having a look at YouTube as some big YouTube channels have covered this issue in great detail. Companies who make the products are usually bias to their own issues.

What Phison Has Said (Drive Manufacturer)

Phison, a major SSD controller manufacturer, conducted more than 4,500 hours of stress testing across over 2,200 test cycles with the same drives allegedly affected. No failures were observed. The company also stated that no partners or consumers have reported problems directly. Phison suggested that inaccurate or incomplete information may have contributed to the concerns spreading online. All that said, YouTube is where most of the concerns are coming from.

What do Users Say About this Problem?

Despite the official statements, many users continue to post about drive corruption, disappearing storage devices, or unexplained data loss after installing KB5063878. Some reported that uninstalling the update restored missing drives, while others said the disappearance led to permanent data loss. At the same time, a fair few users with the same update installed have experienced no issues at all. But again, this kind of random behaviour from updates is quite normal. I've had issues in the past that a lot of other people haven't... It's just the nature of these systems.

How to Avoid SSD Failures Because of KB5063878 on Windows 11

Until Microsoft issues a definitive fix or explanation, you probably want to go ahead and skip this update and make a backup just in case. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Delay or Block the Update (IMPORTANT)

  • Open Settings > Windows Update
  • Select Pause updates and choose a timeframe (you can extend this weekly if needed)
  • Alternatively, use the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor to block KB5063878 specifically

Uninstall the Update if Already Installed (BACKUP PLAN)

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history
  • Select Uninstall updates
  • Locate KB5063878 and remove it
  • Restart your PC to confirm the change

Full guide: How to uninstall a bad Windows 11 update. Rollback a Windows 11 update.

Back Up Your Data Regularly (ALWAYS DO THIS)

Even if you skip this update, drive failures can happen for all sorts of reasons, so always maintain regular backups of important files using external drives or cloud storage. I personally don't like cloud storage as things can go wrong but it is handy if you're in a rush to make a backup and don't have time to wait for a drive to arrive.