A couple of days back, reports of a recent Windows 11 update causing issues for some SSDs using Phison controllers were circulating on the internet. Many users on Reddit and other platforms had reported that the recent KB5041587 cumulative update for Windows 11 had slowed down their systems, with some even suggesting it had “bricked” their storage drives. Microsoft now says that is not the case and attributes the confusion to a reporting bug rather than any actual damage to hardware.
SurveyAlso read: Windows doesn’t want you to forget about the em dash, introduces easier typing shortcut
Microsoft denies Windows 11 update bricking SSDs
The issue first surfaced last month, when Windows 11 users began noticing unusually low read and write speeds after installing the update. Benchmarking tools such as CrystalDiskMark displayed dramatic drops in SSD performance. In some cases, users claimed their previously fast NVMe drives were behaving like outdated hard disks. The users then started blaming Microsoft for pushing out a faulty patch that they believed had compromised their hardware.
Microsoft has since clarified that the problem is not with the SSDs themselves. “After thorough investigation, Microsoft has found no connection between the August 2025 Windows security update and the types of hard drive failures reported on social media,” the company said in a statement as per The Verge.
The company has already issued a follow-up patch to correct the reporting error. KB5042615, released last week, addresses the bug so that benchmarking apps will once again show accurate performance metrics. Microsoft also said that no actual damage was done to SSDs and that users who installed the earlier update can continue using their devices without worry.
Phison, one of the major SSD controller manufacturers, had also said it first learned of user complaints on August 18th and immediately opened an investigation. After running more than 2,200 test cycles that added up to over 4,500 hours of stress testing, the company reported on August 27th that it could not reproduce the slowdown or failure being claimed. Phison also noted that none of its industry partners or customers had flagged any real-world cases of their drives being affected.
Why were people concerned?
Users were majorly concerned as SSDs are often seen as one of the most critical components in a modern PC. They directly affect boot times, game loading speeds, and overall responsiveness. Thus, reports of sudden slowdowns can be alarming, particularly for power users and gamers who rely heavily on fast storage. Even though this case turned out to be a reporting glitch rather than a true performance hit, it struck a nerve among those wary of Windows updates.
For now, users who experienced issues with their SSDs are advised to install the latest KB5042615 patch to resolve the misreporting issue. If your SSD seemed to take a hit after the earlier update, chances are the performance never actually changed. It was simply the numbers that were wrong. Microsoft insists that storage devices remain unaffected and continue to operate as expected.
Also read: Samsung launches new AI-powered Galaxy Book 5, price starts from Rs 77,990
Follow Us
Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
