Microsoft: Samsung broke its own notebooks

Users of Samsung notebooks recently faced a huge problem: They suddenly could no longer access the C: system drive. As it turns out, it wasn’t a Windows update at all to blame.

Windows update under suspicion

Initially, many of those affected suspected a connection with Microsoft’s monthly security updates. On March 10, the company released updates for all supported Windows versions as part of the so-called Patch Tuesday. For Windows 11 version 25H2, among other things, the update KB5079473 was released, which brought new functions such as support for Emoji 16, an internet-based speed test and improvements to the search bar in the file explorer.

However, shortly after the release, numerous Samsung computer owners reported that their system drive was suddenly blocked. When accessing C:, only the error message “Access denied” appeared, US magazine reported Windows Latest. Applications that were installed on the drive could no longer be started. Administrative tasks also sometimes failed due to a lack of authorizations.

However, an analysis of various user reports shows that the first complaints appeared in mid-February – weeks before the March updates for Windows. As a result, certain Samsung programs quickly came into focus, especially the pre-installed “Samsung Connect” or “Galaxy Connect” app. This software is part of the Samsung ecosystem and allows, among other things, screen sharing or sharing files between devices. Microsoft has now confirmed in a statement Support document that we were looking for the cause together with Samsung. Accordingly, the Galaxy Connect app leads to incorrect permissions on the system drive in certain constellations. In some cases, firmware or factory settings on Samsung devices that already contain problematic access rights could also play a role.

Microsoft reacts

If Samsung services subsequently interact with these permissions, Windows may block the drive for security reasons. That’s why other Samsung programs such as “Storage Share” or “Shared Folder” also appeared in various reports as possible triggers. Microsoft has now removed the Galaxy Connect app from the Windows Store.

The incident is also seen as an example of the problems that pre-installed manufacturer software can cause. Many IT administrators therefore recommend reinstalling new computers directly with a clean Windows 11 image from Microsoft. The March updates themselves, however, are considered stable and should continue to be installed due to important security fixes.