Windows 11 users upgrading to the 24H2 update are encountering alarming Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly those using Western Digital (WD) SSDs. Reports indicate that systems with DRAM-less WD SSDs like the SN570 and SN770 are most affected, with crashes tied to Host Memory Buffer (HMB) functionality. The issue manifests as frequent BSODs with "CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED" errors, often during heavy disk operations or system startup.

Understanding the WD SSD BSOD Problem

The root cause appears to stem from how Windows 11 24H2 interacts with WD's HMB implementation. HMB is a technology that allows DRAM-less SSDs to use system memory for caching, improving performance. However, the 24H2 update seems to introduce compatibility issues with this feature, causing system instability.

Affected users report:
- Random BSODs during normal operation
- System freezes when accessing large files
- Boot failures requiring multiple restart attempts
- Event Viewer logs showing disk-related errors

The Registry Hack Solution

Microsoft has yet to release an official fix, but a registry modification has emerged as an effective workaround:

  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\stornvme\Parameters\Device
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named ForcedHMB
  4. Set its value to 0 to disable forced HMB allocation
  5. Reboot your system

This registry tweak essentially tells Windows not to force HMB usage on NVMe drives, allowing the SSD to operate in its fallback mode.

Alternative Solutions

While waiting for official patches, users can also try:

  • Updating SSD firmware: WD has released firmware updates for some affected models
  • Disabling HMB in BIOS: If your motherboard supports this option
  • Using Windows Safe Mode: To backup critical data before attempting fixes
  • Rolling back the 24H2 update: As a temporary measure

Long-Term Outlook

Both Microsoft and Western Digital are reportedly working on permanent solutions. The expected fixes include:

  • Windows Update patches addressing HMB handling
  • Updated NVMe drivers with better compatibility
  • Revised SSD firmware from WD

Users should monitor official channels for updates rather than relying solely on registry modifications long-term.

Preventive Measures for Future Updates

To avoid similar issues with future Windows updates:

  1. Always backup important data before major updates
  2. Check manufacturer forums for known compatibility issues
  3. Delay non-critical updates by a few weeks
  4. Maintain updated SSD firmware
  5. Consider system restore points before updating

This situation highlights the growing complexity of storage subsystem interactions in modern Windows systems, particularly with advanced SSD technologies like HMB.