bug affecting SSDs and HDDs

Windows 11 Bug Affecting SSDs and HDDs

by
TechnologyWindows

Slow computers can feel like they’re working against you. Many Windows 11 users have reported a persistent bug affecting SSDs and HDDs, leading to sluggish boot times, laggy file transfers, and random system freezes. For students, professionals, and businesses, these delays are more than an inconvenience—they disrupt productivity, performance, and peace of mind.

But there’s good news: the issue is well-documented, Microsoft has acknowledged it, and workarounds are available. In this article, we’ll explore what the bug is, why it happens, how to fix it, and what future updates mean for users. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your system and make the most of your Windows 11 device.

Summary Table: Windows 11 Bug Affecting SSDs and HDDs

Aspect Details
What is it? A Windows 11 bug causing SSDs and HDDs to run slower than expected
Symptoms Slow boot times, file transfer delays, system freezes, high disk usage
Who is affected? Windows 11 users with both SSD and HDD storage
Causes Software conflicts, security features, and specific updates (e.g., KB5007262, KB5008215)
Fixes OS updates, registry tweaks, disabling unnecessary features, driver updates
Microsoft’s Response Patches released, ongoing improvements in cumulative updates
Risk if ignored Reduced lifespan of drives, lost productivity, possible data corruption

What is the Windows 11 Bug Affecting SSDs and HDDs?

The Windows 11 bug refers to a series of issues where both solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) perform significantly below expected speeds.

Users first noticed the bug in early 2022 after updates introduced heavy disk usage spikes in the background, even when no demanding applications were running. This resulted in systems feeling slower despite having modern, high-speed hardware.

This matters because drive performance directly impacts how fast apps open, how quickly files copy, and how responsive the entire system feels.

As we dive deeper, it’s important to understand what causes the slowdown.

Why Does Windows 11 Slow Down SSDs and HDDs?

The root causes vary, but Microsoft has linked performance drops to software-level conflicts rather than hardware defects. Common triggers include:

  • Problematic updates (notably KB5007262 and KB5008215)

  • NTFS USN Journal overhead, especially on the C: drive

  • Virtualization-based security (VBS) impacting storage performance

  • Background indexing and telemetry services overusing disk resources

  • Outdated or misconfigured drivers

Together, these create unnecessary strain on both SSDs and HDDs, turning normally fast operations into frustrating delays.

Understanding the cause helps us explore solutions.

How Do You Know If You’re Affected?

Not every Windows 11 machine shows obvious symptoms. Still, common signs include:

  • Longer boot times than usual

  • Slow file transfers (especially large files)

  • Frequent “100% disk usage” warnings in Task Manager

  • Pauses or stutters when switching apps or browsing files

  • Benchmark results showing reduced read/write speeds

If these sound familiar, your system may be impacted.

Next, let’s explore fixes that have worked for many users.

How to Fix the Windows 11 Bug Affecting SSDs and HDDs

Several approaches can restore normal performance. Try these in order:

1. Update Windows

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

  • Microsoft has released multiple patches targeting disk issues.

2. Update Storage Drivers

  • Open Device Manager → expand Disk drives → right-click and update drivers.

  • Manufacturers like Samsung, Crucial, and WD often release optimized firmware.

3. Disable VBS (if safe for your use case)

  • Search Core isolation in Windows Security.

  • Turn off Memory Integrity to reduce performance overhead.

4. Optimize Storage Settings

  • Disable unnecessary background indexing.

  • Run Optimize Drives (built-in defrag/trim tool).

5. Registry Adjustment (Advanced)

Some users report success by disabling the NTFS USN Journal overhead with registry edits. Proceed cautiously and back up before changes.

By combining these fixes, most users notice significant improvements.

What Has Microsoft Said About the SSD/HDD Bug?

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue in release notes and support forums. Key points include:

  • Initial problems introduced in KB5007262 and KB5008215 updates

  • Fixes rolled out in subsequent cumulative updates

  • Ongoing optimization in newer builds, especially Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2

In other words, Microsoft is actively addressing the bug, but performance may still vary depending on hardware and configuration.

This makes it important to look beyond patches and consider preventive measures.

How to Prevent Future Storage Issues on Windows 11

Proactive steps can reduce the risk of recurring slowdowns:

  • Keep Windows and drivers updated

  • Regularly check disk health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo

  • Avoid filling SSDs/HDDs beyond 80% capacity

  • Use reliable antivirus tools to avoid malware-induced disk spikes

  • Monitor Task Manager for unusual disk usage patterns

Being proactive ensures smoother performance long-term.

Making Windows 11 Work With Your Hardware

The Windows 11 bug affecting SSDs and HDDs has frustrated many users, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. By applying updates, optimizing settings, and staying proactive, you can restore speed and reliability to your system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Windows 11 bugs have caused slowdowns in both SSDs and HDDs.

  • Symptoms include long boot times, high disk usage, and sluggish file transfers.

  • Updates, driver fixes, and setting adjustments can solve most issues.

  • Microsoft continues to release patches improving storage performance.

  • Preventive care ensures long-term hardware health and user satisfaction.

Topic Cluster Suggestions

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FAQs About Windows 11 Bug Affecting SSDs and HDDs

Q1: Is the Windows 11 bug permanent?
No. Microsoft has released patches, and performance continues to improve in newer updates.

Q2: Do SSDs suffer more than HDDs?
Yes, because SSDs are expected to be much faster, so slowdowns are more noticeable.

Q3: Can the bug damage my drives?
Unlikely, but constant high disk usage can shorten lifespan if left unaddressed.

Q4: Is upgrading hardware the only solution?
No. In most cases, software fixes restore performance without replacing hardware.

Q5: Does Windows 11 23H2 fix the bug completely?
It improves performance significantly, but some users may still see variability depending on their configuration.

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