MetaMask SSD bug: How the crypto wallet issue could damage your PC

The popular crypto wallet extension MetaMask has come under fire after users reported a critical bug causing massive SSD storage consumption. Many affected users have observed hundreds of gigabytes of data being written to their SSDs daily, threatening both device longevity and performance. This unexpected problem caught the cryptocurrency community off guard, especially given MetaMask’s prominence in managing digital assets. In this article, we break down what’s happening, who is most at risk, how it could affect your PC’s hardware, and what steps to take to protect your system while developers work on a solution.

What triggered the MetaMask SSD issue?

MetaMask, a widely-used browser extension for managing Ethereum wallets and dApps, inadvertently introduced a bug that causes continuous data write operations. This behavior overwhelms the SSDs of affected users, particularly on systems running Google Chrome. While MetaMask is designed to store sensitive keys and transaction data, it’s not supposed to generate sustained high-volume write actions. Developers suspect a logging or caching function may be looping excessively, though a full post-mortem is still pending. Until the fix is rolled out, heavy users—especially those frequently interacting with DeFi platforms or NFT marketplaces—remain most exposed.

Who is at risk and what are the warning signs?

Not all MetaMask users will encounter the problem, but certain behaviors increase your chances. If you’re using the extension heavily—such as engaging in frequent crypto transactions, connecting to multiple decentralized platforms, or leaving browser tabs open for extended periods—you’re more likely to experience abnormal SSD activity. Symptoms can include:

  • Rapid depletion of available storage space
  • Sluggish system behavior, especially during web browsing
  • Elevated SSD wear rate (visible through S.M.A.R.T. monitoring tools)
  • Memory and processor spikes in Task Manager or Activity Monitor

Mac and Windows users alike have reported similar effects, indicating that the bug is linked to the extension itself rather than the OS environment.

Why high SSD writes are a serious problem

SSDs have a finite write cycle, meaning they can only handle a certain number of data writes before they begin to degrade. When a software issue causes excessive writes, that process accelerates dramatically. For MetaMask users, this bug could lead to:

  • Reduced SSD lifespan, particularly in consumer-grade drives
  • Increased risk of data corruption
  • File system errors requiring disk repair or reinstallation
  • Unplanned hardware upgrades, adding unexpected cost

Entry-level SSDs with low endurance ratings (e.g., 150 TBW or less) are especially vulnerable. For context, if MetaMask writes 100GB of data daily, that SSD could hit its endurance limit in just over a year.

SSD model TBW endurance Estimated lifespan @ 100GB/day
Samsung 980 500GB 300 TBW ~3 years
WD Blue SN570 1TB 600 TBW ~6 years
Crucial BX500 240GB 80 TBW ~2.2 years

MetaMask’s response and your best next steps

MetaMask developers have acknowledged the issue and are actively investigating its root cause. While the team hasn’t issued a full patch yet, several mitigation steps have been suggested:

  • Update regularly: Always run the latest version of MetaMask to receive critical patches as they are released.
  • Close idle tabs: Avoid leaving browser tabs open with MetaMask active, particularly on DeFi dashboards or NFT sites.
  • Disable MetaMask in Chrome temporarily: If you’re seeing high SSD writes, turning off the extension can immediately halt the behavior.
  • Monitor disk activity: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) or iStat Menus (macOS) to track system writes and disk health.

Additionally, consider switching to hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for sensitive transactions while software-side issues are being resolved. Not only do these improve security, but they also bypass browser-based vulnerabilities like the one MetaMask is currently grappling with.

Final thoughts

The MetaMask SSD write bug serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden technical risks in high-use browser extensions. As convenient as tools like MetaMask are, they can sometimes introduce performance-degrading issues that compromise both your security and hardware investment. For crypto enthusiasts and casual users alike, monitoring computer health is no longer optional. Keep your software updated, observe your system activity regularly, and stay tuned to official MetaMask channels for critical bug fixes and announcements. Until a reliable patch is deployed, using alternative wallets or minimizing use is the safest path forward.

For those in the PC gaming or crypto mining communities, where storage-read/write cycles already face heavy loads, this incident underscores the importance of premium SSDs with high endurance ratings. Investing in better hardware now could prevent major headaches later.


Image by: Frank R
https://unsplash.com/@frank041985

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