Some users experienced problems with Western Digital and SanDisk SSDs following the Windows 11 24H2 update, but the issue has been resolved with a firmware update from Western Digital addressing the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) function.
Which models were impacted?
Certain SSD models have been found to have compatibility problems.
- The firmware version for the WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD 2TB (WDBBDL0020BNC, WDS200T3X0E) is 731130WD.
- The firmware of the WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe SSD 2TB (WDBDNH0020BBK, WDS200T3X0G) is 731130WD.
- The firmware for the 2TB WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD is version 281050WD.
- The firmware version of the WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD 2TB (WDBS3F0020BNC, WDS200T4B0E) is 291020WD.
- SanDisk Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB (SDSSDX3N-2T00) firmware version is 731130WD.
How to implement a correction.
Western Digital suggests using their Dashboard tool to resolve the problem. This tool not only facilitates the installation of new firmware but also monitors SSD health, temperature, speed, and available space. Upon installation, the software will alert you about new firmware updates, which can be easily completed by following on-screen instructions.
Take necessary safety measures
If you own one of the impacted SSDs and have not yet gotten the Windows 11 24H2 update, it is advised to proactively install the new firmware to prevent potential instability issues. Additionally, note that Windows Update may temporarily prevent the installation of update 24H2 on devices with these SSDs to prevent known issues.
If your Windows 11 24H2 system has been updated and is unstable, you can apply a temporary fix using the Windows Registry Editor to modify the HMB allocation until the firmware update is implemented.
- Open the Start menu, search for Regedit, and then right-click on the matching result.
- Select “Run as administrator”.
- Explore HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorPort.
- Create a new DWORD value named HmbAllocationPolicy if it is not already present.
- Double-click on the value and change it to 2.
- Save the modifications and reboot the system.
This adjustment should maintain system stability until the installation of the new firmware. Disabling the HMB entirely by setting the value to 0 can also provide a temporary solution in certain situations.
Paraphrased: Origin