Microsoft and Phison deny SSD failure link with latest Windows 11 update

The recent reports about SSD failures on the latest Windows 11 update have come to the attention of both Microsoft and Phison. For those unaware, some users were reporting that their drives became inaccessible when attempting to make large continuous transfers.

Phison, the SSD controller maker, recently offered an update on the matter. The company says that it was unable to reproduce the issue after over 4,500 cumulative testing hours. This investigation was done by carrying out 2,200 test cycles, and they were done on different drives.

Microsoft has offered a similar update on the issue. The company says that it found "no connection" between SSD failures and the August 2025 Windows 11 security update. These conclusions from the companies aren't surprising, as the issue wasn't as widespread as some of the other Windows-related problems that happened in the past.

It's also worth mentioning that the initial reports were coming from Japanese users, and as @Necoru_cat on X notes, the Japanese version has been updated after the reports. While this could mean that the SSD failure problem is centered around the Japanese Windows 11, some international users have also reported the same issue.

Of course, Phison didn't fully dismiss the issue, as the company says that it will "closely monitor the situation." Phison also recommends installing a heatsink or thermal pad on the SSDs when carrying extended workloads (2 TB Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink curr. $169.99 on Amazon). This would eventually ensure sustained performance and lower the chances of throttling and heat-related failures.