SanDisk Extreme SSDs are Wiping Users’ Data – WD to Release Firmware Update

With many complaints from SanDisk users about its Extreme and Extreme Pro portable SSDs abruptly failing and wiping their data, Western Digital has admitted that these drives are critically broken. They have issued a fix for the problem and will soon release the firmware update for 4TB models. The 2TB units are still in effect, causing ample damage to its users’ data.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSDs are Automatically Wiping Data

Users are rigorously posting on Reddit, SanDisk, and other tech forums about SanDisk portable SSDs automatically wiping the drives’ data including the file systems. Since Western Digital hasn’t released any permanent solution for the issue, the situation is turning into a quagmire.

Some users tried disconnecting and reconnecting their SanDisk Extreme Pro SSDs, but it did not work. The SSDs, on reconnecting, only showed that the drive was unformatted with data completely wiped.

Western Digital’s Limited Response

Considering all the complaints by users, the manufacturer replied, “Western Digital is aware of reports indicating some customers have experienced an issue with 4TB SanDisk Extreme and/or Extreme Pro portable SSDs (SDSSDE61-4T00 and SDSSDE81-4T00 respectively). We have resolved the issue and will publish a firmware update to our website soon. Customers with questions or who are experiencing issues should contact our Customer Support team for assistance.”

Although the company claims that the firmware update will roll out, only for the 4TB models. The users who are dealing with SSD data loss issues with 2TB models haven’t got any relief. Further, the problem seems to affect only the recent batches, especially the ones manufactured after November 2022.

Hard Time for WD for Sure!

Many tech publications have recommended SanDisk SSDs. They’re popular for their rugged build quality, making them water, dust, and shockproof – a few primary reasons that appeal to users not having to worry about the physical issues with the drives, resulting in data loss.

However, this time, due to the above issue, the users’ data is at stake, which may cost them a fortune if it gets lost. However, Verge says, “the company has been downplaying the issue for months, all while it continues to sell these drives at a deep discount.”

Some affected users who received replacement drives have reported similar issues with them. The drives are wiping the data automatically and there is no stop to it. A user who received SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD as a replacement drive also reported encountering a similar situation. This suggests that the issue is widespread and still at large.

New developments –

• To deal with the issue, WD, SanDisk’s parent company, assured affected users by releasing a firmware update.
• Apparently, replacement drives sent by Western Digital have also shown similar behavior, causing users to lose a sizeable chunk of their data.
• Affected users with the replacement drives have observed this problem to be widespread rather than limited to just one type of SSD.
• As affected users await a fix, a resolution is yet to be given by the manufacturer.
• Other issues reported by the users include – drives becoming RAW, unexpected data wipes, SSD not being visible, etc.
• Speculations suggest that SanDisk SSDs are automatically wiping off data due to a damaged file system or the SSDs being incompatible with the EXFAT file system.

Can You Still Get Back Your SSD Data?

Reportedly, many users have been able to restore their data using powerful data recovery software, such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional. The DIY software not only supports recovery from SSDs, but also retrieves data from HDDs, SD cards, USB drives, and more. If you lack data backup and are worried about your lost data, you can opt for this software.

Final Thoughts

Meanwhile, WD is working on releasing a firmware update for the SanDisk Extreme Pro portable SSDs (4TB units). Users are suggested to follow the practice of taking regular backups of their data to avoid falling prey to this error (if they haven’t already.) And, while backing up, always create at least three copies to keep your data protected. And, in the absence of backup, keep professional data recovery software handy to avoid permanent data loss.  Drop us your queries or suggestions in the comment box below (if any)!

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About The Author

Mansi Verma

Mansi Verma is a Senior Technology Writer at Stellar®. She is a Tech enthusiast, holding over a decade of experience in technical writing. She writes guides, articles, blogs and tips on Data Recovery, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. She loves providing DIY solutions to solve various Windows system related issues. In her spare time, she likes reading her favorite novels, and writing poetry. She is also an avid traveller.