Starting in March 2023, Microsoft began deploying updates for Windows 11 that some users report caused noticeable slowdowns on SSDs. This information comes from Windows Latest, which cites user reviews and test results to illustrate the impact.
The slowdown is not limited to large file transfers. Users observe delays even during routine operations, including booting the PC and starting games. The performance drop is evident in practical tasks, with the operating system taking longer to respond as updates accumulate on the system drive.
To back up these claims, several users share benchmark screens from CrystalDiskMark showing a before and after comparison. In certain cases, disk speeds drop from around 7000 MB per second to about 1000 MB per second, a dramatic deceleration that has raised concerns among Windows 11 users. These reports suggest a systematic change across affected systems after the cumulative updates are installed.
Windows Latest lists updates such as KB5023778 released in March 2023, KB5025239 from April 2023, KB5026372 from May 2023, KB5027231 from June 2023, and KB5027303 also in June 2023 as being associated with the slowdown. The article notes that the exact root cause has not been disclosed, and Microsoft did not provide an official comment at the time of publication. Based on user feedback, rolling back to a Windows version prior to the March update KB5023778 appears to restore SSD performance in some cases. The sequence of updates and the timing of the reported issues point to a potential cumulative effect rather than a single isolated patch.
In the discussion, there is no formal statement from Microsoft detailing the technical factors behind the observed slowdown. Users and observers point to changes in how storage is managed, as well as possible interactions with new features and background processes introduced in the 2023 updates. The absence of a published formal explanation has led to ongoing speculation and the call for further investigation by Microsoft and the broader Windows community. The evolving nature of software updates means that affected users are watching for guidance on safe configurations, optional fixes, and any performance-related advisories as new builds become available.
While the focus remains on how the updates impact storage performance, it is clear that the issue has drawn attention from gamers, professionals, and everyday users alike. The practical implications are tangible: slower system responsiveness, longer load times, and a less snappy user experience even when the system is otherwise idle. The situation underscores the importance of proactive maintenance, backup strategies, and an understanding of how major OS updates can interact with SSD technology in real world usage. Consumers are encouraged to monitor official Microsoft notices and trusted benchmarks to stay informed about any recommended mitigations or official fixes that may emerge in subsequent updates, as the community continues to gather data and share experiences (Windows Latest).
Historically, Windows 11 has introduced a range of performance improvements and new features aimed at enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction. When reports surface about performance regressions, the response from users often includes cautious steps such as staged updates, selective installation, and careful validation of system health after each new patch. The discussion also highlights the value of having reliable recovery options ready, including rollback plans and system restore points, to minimize disruption while evaluating the impact of updates on storage devices. This approach helps users balance access to the latest security protections with the need to maintain consistent disk performance during day-to-day tasks (Windows Latest).