The Windows 11 update from August 2023 will rectify performance issues with NVMe SSDs that began in March 2023. Prior to this correction, users experienced a decline in device speed of over 50%, even after applying subsequent updates.
These performance issues were first noticed in preliminary builds of the OS and unintentionally included in the March 2023 Patch Tuesday release. Microsoft did not officially acknowledge these problems at the time, which led to uncertainty regarding a forthcoming solution. Recent data indicates an enhancement in performance for a significant number of users. However, a few isolated SSD challenges may still exist. A majority of users have reported notable improvements, as documented by Windows Latest.
Updates implicated in the performance issues include:
- KB5028185 – July 2023 Patch Tuesday (mandatory).
- KB5027303 – Optional update for June 2023.
- KB5027231 – June 2023 Patch Tuesday (mandatory).
- KB5026372 – May 2023 Patch Tuesday (mandatory).
- KB5025239 – April 2023 Patch Tuesday (mandatory).
- KB5023778 – March 2023 Patch Tuesday, where the issue was first identified.
- KB5023706 – Also impacted.
- Initial Windows 11 preview builds.
Following the release of update KB5023778, SSD slowdown occurrences were continually discussed publicly. Although the optional July 2023 update provided some mitigation, the ultimate resolution was delivered in the August 2023 Patch Tuesday (KB5029263). This rectification is in line with Microsoft's initiatives to address Windows 11 performance as they anticipate the release of the 23H2 version and motivate users to migrate to the updated OS.
Windows 11 August 2023 Update Addresses NVMe SSD Performance Concerns
