Security Patch in Windows 11 Version 24H2 Allegedly Leads to SSD/HDD Malfunction and Potential Data Inaccuracy
The recently released Windows 11 24H2 update, KB5063878, is causing significant problems for users, particularly with SSDs and HDDs. Reports indicate that drives are becoming inaccessible and user data may be at risk of corruption[1][3].
To troubleshoot or avoid these issues:
- Delay or avoid installing KB5063878: Given that this is a mandatory security update, temporarily pausing Windows Updates can prevent immediate installation. However, Windows 11 Home versions do not provide an easy way to selectively choose updates[5].
- If already installed and problems appear: Users have reported that uninstalling KB5063878 has resolved issues such as random shutdowns and hardware failures[5].
- Backup critical data immediately: Before applying or if you have applied this update, make sure to back up important data externally to avoid loss due to corruption or drive failure[1][3].
- Check for Microsoft support and patches: Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and stated it is investigating, but as of now, it has not reproduced the issue on fully updated systems and is seeking user reports[3]. Stay alert for further security updates or hotfixes that may remediate the problem.
- Monitor system logs and device manager for drive anomalies: If issues arise with drive detection or access, reviewing event logs may provide clues about the faults related to KB5063878[2].
- Avoid large file operations on SSD/HDD after installing this update until the issue is resolved, as some reports highlight problems occurring when moving large files[1].
At present, the safest approach to avoid the impact of KB5063878 is to pause automatic updates if possible, back up data, and uninstall the update if symptoms emerge. Microsoft’s investigation is ongoing, so watch for updates from official sources before reinstalling this patch[1][3][5].
It is worth noting that the inability to access drives or the risk of data corruption can have severe consequences, especially for users with critical work or irreplaceable data. Users have also reported installation failures with error code 0x80240069 on the KB5063878 update.
One documented case shows the problem becoming evident during the update of a game (Cyberpunk 2077), causing the drive to disappear mid-transfer[4]. As of this writing, Microsoft has not issued an official fix for the storage drive disappearance issue.
Users are advised to exercise caution and prioritise data safety when dealing with the KB5063878 update.
[1] TechRadar (2025). Windows 11 24H2 KB5063878 update causing storage device issues. [Online]. Available: https://www.techradar.com/news/windows/windows-11/windows-11-24h2-kb5063878-update-causing-storage-device-issues
[2] Ghacks (2025). Windows 11 KB5063878 update has storage device issues. [Online]. Available: https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/20/windows-11-kb5063878-update-has-storage-device-issues/
[3] ZDNet (2025). Microsoft acknowledges issues with Windows 11 24H2 KB5063878 update. [Online]. Available: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-acknowledges-issues-with-windows-11-24h2-kb5063878-update/
[4] Wccftech (2025). Windows 11 24H2 KB5063878 update causes storage device issues during Cyberpunk 2077 update. [Online]. Available: https://wccftech.com/windows-11-24h2-kb5063878-update-causes-storage-device-issues-during-cyberpunk-2077-update/
[5] Tom's Hardware (2025). How to temporarily pause Windows 11 updates. [Online]. Available: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/how-to-temporarily-pause-windows-11-updates,5885.html
