How to manually update SSD firmware in Windows 11 step by step

Manual firmware update of SSDs in Windows 11 is becoming increasingly necessary, especially given recent compatibility issues that can leave many users with blue screens, system crashes, or even the inability to update to the latest versions of the operating system. Knowing the process, the risks, the models involved, and the exact steps is key to avoiding losing data or device functionality.

In this article, I'm going to explain in detail everything you need to know if you have a solid-state drive (SSD) in your PC, whether internal or external, and want to make sure it's ready to work with Windows 11, especially with the 24H2 update. You'll learn everything from detecting failure symptoms to how to manually update the firmware and what to do if you run into any issues along the way.Get ready because here you'll have all your doubts answered and you won't leave anything behind.

Reasons to update your SSD firmware in Windows 11

Updating the firmware of an SSD may seem like something reserved for advanced users, but nowadays It has become a fundamental task to maintain the stability and performance of your equipment.The main reasons for doing so are several:

• Compatibility with the latest operating system versionsWindows 11, especially in version 24H2, has introduced changes that affect how the system handles certain internal SSD functions.
• Troubleshoot critical errors: Specific models experience crashes, blue screens (BSOD) and problems of Boot if you don't update.
• Improve performance and securityUpdating can bring speed improvements, better power management, and even security patches to prevent bugs or vulnerabilities.

Many of these issues have occurred, for example, on certain 2TB Western Digital and SanDisk NVMe drives, where incompatibility with the Handling of Memory Buffers (HMB) in Windows 11 can cause real headaches.

Errors, affected models, and symptoms that warn you that you need to update

The biggest trigger for the urgency to update the firmware is the appearance of BSOD errors and stability issues after upgrading (or attempting to upgrade) to Windows 11 24H2The most common symptoms are:

• Blue screen of death with messages like “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” or “KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR” both at startup and during normal use.
• Loop reboots or random system crashes, making it impossible to use the computer normally.
• «stornvme» errors in the Windows Event Viewer, marking driver failures in paths such as «\Device\RaidPort1».

Western Digital identified the conflict in its models:

• WD and SanDisk 2TB NVMe SSD: Only versions with that specific capacity have had problems with the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) function, especially in the original firmware.
• In the case of external units, they have also been detected unexpected disconnections in models like the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 and WD My Passport SSD.

It is important: If your drive is a 1TB or 4TB drive from these families or is SATA, you shouldn't worry, as the fault only affects the 2TB NVMe models.

What causes the error? Host Memory Buffer (HMB) conflict

The origin of the problem is in a function called Host Memory Buffer, common in DRAM-less NVMe SSDs, which allows the drive to use part of the system RAM for caching and thus optimize performance.

The Windows 24 2H11 update changed the way it allocates memory for HMB. While it could previously be limited to around 64 MB, the system can now reserve up to 200 MB if the firmware requests it. The old firmware of the affected SSDs cannot handle this increase in memory, it overflows and causes crashes and BSODs.Only by updating the firmware will you get the unit to "talk" properly to the operating system and eliminate the problems.

Some users have attempted to patch this issue by modifying the Windows registry to limit memory usage, but this is a temporary fix that can cause additional headaches and reduce SSD performance. The definitive and recommended solution is the official firmware update..

Step-by-Step: How to Manually Update Your SSD Firmware in Windows 11

No matter the brand: whether you're a Samsung, Crucial, WD, SanDisk, or a Surface, the firmware update process has common steps and others specific to the manufacturer. Here's a detailed and reliable explanation.

1. Always back up your data

This step is required. Before touching anything, make sure copy all your important files to another drive, USB, storage on the network or in the cloudFailures during firmware flashing, although rare, can render the drive unusable and cause you to lose everything. Don't even think about skipping it.

2. Download the appropriate software from the manufacturer

Western Digital / SanDisk: Download Western Digital Dashboard from the official website and always make sure you download the latest version to avoid problems. With it, you can view the unit's status and apply the update. You can check how to update SSD firmware manually in Windows 11 for more details.

SanDisk Extreme / WD My Passport SSD (Outdoor): For external models, you need their own update package (SanDisk_Extreme_Portable_and_Pro_SSD_V2_Firmware_Updater.exe or WD_My_Passport_SSD_Firmware_Updater.exe) from the manufacturer's official website.

Crucial: Uses Storage Executive and make sure it's updated. If Storage Executive is giving errors, consider the alternatives I explain below. You can also find information at .

Surface (Microsoft): Use the Surface app to check, download and install firmware updates and driversIf the automatic process fails or you have many computers, manually download the MSI package corresponding to your model from the download center. downloads from Microsoft and run it.

3. Make sure the SSD is connected directly

In the case of internal SSDs, It must be inside the PC, in the M.2 slot or via PCIe, never via external USB., because many programs (like WD Dashboard) won't detect or allow updates if the drive is connected via USB. If it's external, simply connect it to a compatible USB port on your computer.

4. Run the update

The next steps vary by brand, but are typically as follows:

1. Open the software and select your correct SSD drive.
2. Look for the "Tools" or "Advanced Features" section and find the "Update Firmware" option.
3. Click to check for updates. If there's a new version, it will offer to install it.
4. Confirm the update and Do not touch or turn off anything until I tell you that has finished. Some programs ask you to restart your computer: do so as instructed.
5. Reopen the software to verify that the firmware version is now correct, matching the manufacturer's recommendation.

5. If there are problems during the process

You may experience issues with the software not detecting your drive, error messages appearing, or the update not completing. Here are some alternatives:

• Make sure the system is not using RAID mode. BIOS (switch to AHCI, especially important on Crucial SSDs).
• Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall if you suspect it is interfering.
• Check that the software version is the latest available.
• In Crucial, if Storage Executive fails, download the ISO image from the official website to create a bootable USB and perform the manual update outside of Windows.
• If you have a Surface and the automatic method doesn't work, find the exact MSI file for your model and OS, download it from Microsoft, and run it manually.

Specific steps for WD and SanDisk external SSDs: Windows 11 update

For external drives like the SanDisk Extreme V2, Extreme Pro V2, or WD My Passport SSD, the process is simple, but you must follow clear guidelines:

1. Connect the drive to your PC (Windows 10 or 11).
2. Download the update package from the official website (search for “Firmware Updater” for your model).
3. Extract the ZIP file, navigate to the folder and run the corresponding EXE file.
4. Accept the prompts and follow the on-screen instructions. Messages will tell you if the device is already updated, if the SSD is not found, if the process was successful, or if there was an error.
5. Safely eject the drive before unplugging it, and reconnect it to check that everything is working properly.

In this process, again, always make a backup before and be sure to follow all manufacturer's instructions.

Manually update firmware on Surface and pro devices

For those who have a Microsoft Surface, most of the time the system updates drivers and firmware along with Windows UpdateHowever, if you need to do this manually (due to fleets of equipment or connectivity issues), follow these steps:

• Find out the exact model and version of your Surface using the Surface app or the system information section.
• Go to the Microsoft Download Center and locate the MSI package that corresponds to your model and operating system.
• Download the file, run it, and follow the steps. If there are multiple downloads, choose the one that includes your model and the exact version of Windows.

This method is best if you need to update offline computers, multiple identical devices, or want to deploy corporate system images.

What if the update fails?

If after following all the steps you are still experiencing blue screens, random disconnections, or stability issues after updating the firmware:

• contact him official manufacturer support (WD, SanDisk, Crucial, Microsoft, GPD, etc.), provides the serial number and all system information.
• Check for other possible causes of BSODs: drivers for other components, faulty RAM, power failures, overheating, etc.
• If the disc came with your device (for example, with GPD branded devices), contact the store for assistance or a replacement.

The firmware update only fixes that specific HMB incompatibility issue, but if there are issues other than the SSD, you'll need to review those separately.

Critical aspects before launching an update

• Keep the equipment connected to the power at all times during the process, especially if it is a laptop.
• Do not force shutdown or unplug the SSD while it is updating (this may render it unusable).
• Always check that you download the software and firmware from the manufacturer's official website, to avoid malware and inadequate versions.
• If you're an IT professional working with Windows images for mass deployments, review the official documentation on how to keep the firmware up to date on all devices.

final recommendations

Updating an SSD's firmware manually in Windows 11 may seem complicated, but by following each step carefully and always relying on the manufacturer's official tools, you can avoid instability issues and ensure your drive performs at its best with the latest version of the operating system. The key is to identify your model and version, always make a backup, and follow the update procedure for each brand.If you have one of the models known to be problematic, don't miss this update, as it will save you from screen crashes and unpleasant surprises in the future.