Windows updates are meant to improve your computer’s performance, fix security issues, and add new features. However, sometimes these updates can cause unexpected problems. Recently, many Windows users have reported that certain updates are causing their computer drives to malfunction. This can lead to issues like slow performance, drives not showing up, or even data loss.

Several recent updates, especially KB5039302 and KB5038858 for Windows 10 and Windows 11, have stirred trouble for users worldwide. For example, after installing the Windows 11 KB5039302 update, some users noticed that their external USB drives stopped working or were no longer recognized by the system. These kinds of issues can be frustrating and even scary if you have important files stored on those drives.

In this blog, we will explain what is happening with these Windows updates, why it causes drive problems, and how you can protect your data and fix these issues.

What Are Windows Updates?

Before we discuss the problem, let us quickly understand what Windows updates are. Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows, the most popular operating system in the world. These updates include:

• Security patches to protect your computer from hackers and viruses.
• Bug fixes to resolve errors or glitches in the system.
• New features to improve your computer experience.
• Performance improvements to make your computer run faster or smoother.

When you turn on your Windows PC, it often downloads and installs these updates automatically to keep your system safe and up to date. Although it is beneficial, it can sometimes lead to unwanted problems.

What Is the Problem with Recent Windows Updates?

Recently, some Windows updates have been causing drive malfunctions on many users’ computers. Individuals have reported several issues, such as hard drives or external drives disappearing from File Explorer, making them impossible to access. In other cases, the drives become extremely slow, taking a long time to open files or respond to simple actions. Some users see error messages like “Drive not accessible” or “Disk error”, while others experience more serious problems like data corruption or files going missing. A few users have even faced system freezes or unexpected crashes after installing certain updates. These problems can be very frustrating and stressful, especially when valuable or sensitive data is at risk.

Now that we know what problems might arise due to updates, let us discuss the causes behind them.

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Why Do Windows Updates Cause Drive Problems?

Windows updates change how your computer’s software works. Sometimes, new changes can conflict with existing software or hardware, causing issues like drive malfunctions. Here are some common reasons why updates cause problems:

Drive Compatibility Issues

Your computer’s drives (hard drives, SSDs, USB drives) use special software called drivers to communicate with the operating system. If a Windows update changes system files but the drives are not updated to match, the drives may not work properly.

File System Errors

Windows updates might change how the system reads or writes data to your drives. If these changes are not perfectly compatible with your current file system or disk structure, errors can happen.

Conflicts with Third-Party Software

Some software that manages or protects your drives may not work well with the new Windows updates. Antivirus programs, backup tools, or disk management utilities can sometimes interfere after an update.

Bugs in the Update

Even Microsoft can make mistakes. Sometimes updates have bugs (errors in the code) that cause unexpected problems like drive malfunctions. Microsoft usually fixes these quickly, but it can take time.

Also know: Why Hard Drive Not Showing Up In Windows 10 And How To Fix It

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Which Windows Updates Are Causing Drive Issues?

The problems have been mostly reported with some of the latest Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates, especially cumulative updates released in the last few months. These updates aimed to improve security and fix other bugs, but some introduced new drive-related issues.

The updates most commonly reported to cause trouble include KB5039302, KB5037591, and KB5036893 for Windows 11, as well as KB5038858 and KB5037768 for Windows 10. After installing these updates, users have noticed problems such as drives not appearing in File Explorer, external USB drives becoming unresponsive, or internal drives performing very slowly.

Since Microsoft regularly releases updates, it is important to check your update history and see if any recent update matches the time your drive problems started.

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How to Check If a Windows Update Is Causing Your Drive Problems

If you suddenly start having trouble with your drives after an update, you can check if a recent update might be the cause:

• Go to Settings: Click the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
• Select Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update and then “View update history.”
• Look for recent updates around the time the problem started.

If you see updates installed just before the problem began, they might be causing the issue.

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What Can You Do to Fix Drive Problems Caused by Windows Updates?

If you suspect a Windows update is causing your drives to malfunction, here are some simple steps to try:

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting your PC can solve temporary issues.

Check for New Updates

Microsoft releases fixes for problematic updates. Go to settings>Update & Security>Windows Update and click “Check for updates” to see if a new update is available.

Roll Back the Problematic Update

If a recent update caused the issue, you can uninstall it:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
• Click Uninstall updates.
• Find the recent update and uninstall it.
• Restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed.

Update Your Drivers

Make sure your drive drivers are up to date:

• Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
• Find your hard drives or USB drives under “Disk drives.”
• Right-click and choose “Update driver.”
• Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

Run the Disk Check Tool

Windows has a tool to check and repair disk errors:

• Launch File Explorer.
• Right-click the affected drive and pick Properties.
• Go to the Tools and click Check underneath Error checking.
• Follow the instructions to scan and fix errors.

Disable Conflicting Software Temporarily

If you have antivirus or disk management software, try temporarily disabling it to see if it’s causing conflicts with the update.

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How to Protect Your Data During These Problems

Drive problems can lead to data loss, so protecting your files is very important. Here are some tips:

Back up your data regularly. Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to save copies of your important files.

Avoid using the affected drive if you notice problems. Continue use can worsen data corruption.

Use data recovery software if files get deleted or corrupted.

Seek professional help if the data is very important and cannot be recovered easily.

Also know: How to Fix Windows 0x80071AC3 Error

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How to Prevent Future Drive Problems with Windows Updates

To avoid drive malfunctions caused by updates, follow these best practices:

• Create system restore points before updates. This lets you roll back your system if something goes wrong.
• Keep your drivers updated regularly from your PC manufacturer’s website.
• Wait a few days before installing new updates. This allows time to hear if others report problems.
• Use reliable antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Regularly back up your data to avoid losing important files.

If none of the above steps fix your drive problems, or if your data is very important and at risk, it is best to consult a professional computer technician. They can safely diagnose and repair hardware or software issues and help recover lost data.

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Conclusion

Windows updates are essential for keeping your computer secure and running well, but sometimes they can cause unexpected problems like drive malfunctions. If you notice your drives acting up after an update, do not panic. By following these steps like checking for new updates, rolling back problematic updates, updating drivers, and backing up your data, you can protect yourself and fix most issues.

Remember to stay patient and always keep your important data safe. Hopefully, Microsoft will quickly fix these issues in future updates, making your Windows experience smooth and trouble-free again.

If you found this blog helpful, please share it with friends or family who might be facing similar Windows update problems. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!