Microsoft Outage Caused by CrowdStrike Software Update Error
Microsoft recently experienced a global outage due to an error in the CrowdStrike software update, resulting in the dreaded “blue screen of death” for many Windows users. This outage impacted consumers and businesses worldwide, including airlines, banks, healthcare providers, and retailers. Images of blue screens were shared on social media, demonstrating the extent of the issue.
Resolving the Blue Screen of Death
To fix the blue screen error, Microsoft suggests restoring Windows 365 Cloud PCs to a previous known good state or replacing the problematic Windows 365 version with a corrected version from CrowdStrike. Users can follow instructions provided by Microsoft to select a restart point before the update occurred, helping to resolve the issue.
If the blue screen error persists, users are advised to run Windows Update to ensure they have the latest software fixes. Additionally, they can utilize the Get Help application in Windows to troubleshoot BSOD errors and follow guided tutorials to resolve the issue. Those not using Windows devices can contact Microsoft Support for assistance in troubleshooting BSOD errors.
Duration of Blue Screen Removal Process
Microsoft warns that users may need to reboot their systems up to 15 times to successfully remove the blue screen. While some users have reported successful restarts, others may experience a bug check known as BSOD and get stuck in a reboot state. Microsoft recommends logging into the Azure portal to initiate a restart for affected virtual machines.