BREAKING: Windows Operating System Down Worldwide, Throws Blue Screen Of Death

New Delhi: Thousands of Windows users worldwide including banks and airlines are experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, causing their systems to suddenly shut down or restart. Microsoft has identified a recent CrowdStrike update as the cause of this widespread issue. Blue Screen errors, also known as black screen errors or STOP code errors, occur when a critical issue forces Windows to unexpectedly shut down or restart. Affected users may see messages such as, "Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer," or similar notifications.

These errors can be triggered by both hardware and software issues. Microsoft advises users who have recently installed new hardware and are encountering Blue Screen errors to shut down their PCs, remove the new hardware, and attempt a restart. If restarting is difficult, users are advised to start their PCs in safe mode. Detailed instructions for starting a PC in safe mode can be found on the official Windows support website. 

The website DownDectector, which tracks user-reported internet outages, recorded growing outages in services at Visa, ADT security and Amazon, and airlines, including American Airlines and Delta.

Airlines Operations Hit

The global Microsoft outage has disrupted check-in systems used by Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Akasa, and SpiceJet. This has resulted in slower check-in processes and long queues at airports. Industry sources indicate that other airlines, such as the Air India Group, have not been affected so far. Airports are also experiencing issues due to the outage.  

Taking to X, IndiGo,  said on X (former Twitter): “Our systems across the network are impacted by an ongoing issue with Microsoft Azure, which has resulted in increased wait times at our contact centres and airports.

In a statement, Adani Airports said: “A global IT outage has affected operations, impacting flights nationwide. During this time booking, check-in, access to boarding passes and flights are likely to be impacted. We are collaborating with airlines to manage operations and minimise delays. Please reach out to your respective airlines for information. Thank you for your patience.” Adani runs airports in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram.

Air India Express said: “Digital infrastructure issues have temporarily impacted online and airport operations across multiple airlines and airports globally. Please plan your travel and keep sufficient time in hand for airport procedures. We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.”

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.” 

Microsoft Global Outage: CrowdStrike Statement

In an automated reply, CrowdStrike stated: "CrowdStrike is aware of reports of crashes on Windows hosts related to the Falcon Sensor. Symptoms include hosts experiencing a bugcheck/blue screen error related to the Falcon Sensor. Our Engineering teams are actively working to resolve this issue, and there is no need to open a support ticket. Status updates will be posted as we have more information to share, including when the issue is resolved."
Impacted Microsoft Apps and Services

Full List Of Apps And Services Facing Outage

Users reported widespread issues with several key Microsoft services:

• OneDrive and OneNote: Numerous users faced difficulties with syncing and accessing their files.
• Outlook: Email access disruptions were reported by some users.
• Xbox App: Functionality problems were noted by users.
• PowerBI and Microsoft Fabric: These services were restricted to read-only mode, limiting user interaction.
• Microsoft Teams: Issues were experienced with presence status, group chats, and user registration.
• Microsoft 365 Admin Center: Admins faced intermittent access issues, leading to delays in administrative actions.
• Microsoft Purview and Viva Engage: Delays and access problems were reported with these services.

Microsoft Global Outage: What Users Should Do

Refrain from Troubleshooting: Wait for the official Technical Alert before attempting to resolve the issue on your own.
Keep an Eye on the Pinned Thread: Check the pinned forum thread regularly for the latest updates, including the Technical Alert and any temporary solutions.
Exercise Patience: Resolving software conflicts can take time. CrowdStrike is diligently working on a solution and will provide updates as they become available.

For Users Experiencing BSODs

If you're experiencing BSOD errors following a recent CrowdStrike update, you're not alone. This widespread issue will be addressed in the forthcoming Technical Alert, which is expected to include specific details on the affected CrowdStrike sensor versions and potential workarounds until a permanent fix is implemented. For urgent questions or concerns, please contact CrowdStrike support directly.