The Windows Update That Breaks NVME and SSDs: A Fix Found

In recent months, a troubling Windows update has caused significant issues for users relying on NVMe and SSD drives. This update, infamous for bricking drives, recently rolled out and left many users unable to boot their computers. Fortunately, if you find yourself in this predicament, there is a straightforward fix you can try.

Understanding the Issue

After installing the problematic Windows update, users have reported symptoms that include having their drives visible under the Windows Boot Manager but not appearing in the BIOS drive ports. This inconsistency can lead to the unfortunate conclusion that the drive is bricked. For those who have experienced this, the logic can quickly spiral into despair, especially when booting from a Windows 11 media USB proves fruitless, with the USB failing to detect any boot device.

A user recounts their experience: after running errands, they returned home to discover their computer couldn’t boot after the update. Despite the BIOS showing the drive as an option in the Windows Boot Manager, it was nowhere to be found in the other BIOS drive ports. The drive appeared to be non-functional, leading to feelings of hopelessness and frustration.

The Key to Recovery

Rather than accepting defeat, the user began to explore possible causes and solutions. They recalled that Intel’s VMD (Volume Management Device) and Rapid Storage Technology have exhibited similar glitches in the past, sparking a glimmer of hope that a resolution might be found.

Here’s the fix they discovered:

1. Access BIOS Settings: Start by rebooting your computer and entering the BIOS setup. This can usually be done by pressing the appropriate key during startup, often displayed on the screen (commonly F2, DEL, or ESC).
2. Disable VMD: Locate the VMD option, typically found under Advanced Settings > System Agent (SA) Configuration, and disable it. This step is crucial because the VMD setting alters how the BIOS recognizes drives, which can interfere with the recovery process.
3. Boot from USB: Insert the Windows 11 media USB and boot from it. Once you reach the installation screen, select “Repair your PC.”
4. System Restore: Navigate to the option for System Restore. If you have a restore point established prior to the problematic update, follow the prompts to revert your system to that state.
5. Uninstall the Update: While on the recovery environment, locate the option to uninstall the latest quality update, which will remove the problematic changes causing the issue.
6. Re-enable VMD in BIOS: After successfully uninstalling the update and restoring functionality, revisit the BIOS settings and re-enable the VMD option. This is necessary as VMD maps your drive differently, affecting its visibility to Windows.
7. Reboot and Enjoy: Finally, exit the BIOS and restart your computer. Upon reboot, you should find your system back to normal functioning with your drives intact and operational.

Conclusion

If you’ve been affected by the Windows update that seemingly breaks NVMe and SSD drives, don’t lose hope. This process offers a lifeline to restore your computer without the need for extensive technical intervention. By disabling and re-enabling the VMD setting, you may just find that your drive was never broken at all but rather caught in a loop of software miscommunication. Happy computing!