CrowdStrike Reveals Microsoft Outage Workaround: How To Fix Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft Windows computers worldwide experienced the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Thursday and Friday due to an outage caused by services provided by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

The deadly outage has impacted everyone from banks to airlines, with flights grounded, grocery carts abandoned, and productivity lower than usual. The issue threw normal life into turmoil creating chaos worldwide.

After an extended period of monitoring, we've determined that the issue is mitigated, and all previously impacted Microsoft 365 apps and service have recovered. For more information, see MO821132 within the admin center.

— Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) July 19, 2024

How to Resolve BSOD Errors:

1. Identify the Error Code: Windows displays an error code and sometimes a brief description when a BSOD occurs.
2. Update Device Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers frequently cause BSOD errors.
3. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up-to-date.
4. Run a Memory Check: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for memory issues.
5. Scan for Malware: Use reliable antivirus software to scan for malware.
6. Check for Hard Drive Errors: Use built-in tools like CHKDSK to inspect challenging drive health.
7. Uninstall Recent Software or Updates: Roll back any recent changes causing the issue.
8. Perform a System Restore: Restore your system to a previous stable state if needed.

What caused the global outage

A flawed update to Crowdstrike’s Falcon antivirus software caused the recent global IT outage, which affected travel, banking, and healthcare services, according to The Economic Times.

This update, designed to protect Microsoft Windows devices from malicious attacks, inadvertently triggered the dreaded “blue screen of death” (BSOD) for many users. Fortunately, Crowdstrike has identified and fixed the issue, emphasizing that it was not a security incident or cyberattack.

Microsoft is also taking mitigation measures to address the lingering impact of the outage.

Twitter updates from Microsoft 365

Tweets by MSFT365Status

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