Windows Computers Hit by ‘Blue Screen of Death’ Due to CrowdStrike Error
Millions of Windows users worldwide are facing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, causing systems to suddenly shut down or restart. Microsoft has identified a recent CrowdStrike update as the cause of this issue.
The bug has impacted numerous companies, banks, and government offices globally. Many Indian airlines have updated passengers about the situation on X (formerly Twitter).
Users have shared screenshots of their screens stuck on the recovery page with the message: “It looks like Windows didn’t load correctly. If you’d like to restart and try again, choose Restart my PC below.”
In related news, major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, issued ground stops on Friday morning due to communication issues. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated that the department is monitoring flight cancellations and delays, emphasizing that airlines must meet their responsibilities to passengers.
Microsoft has announced that it is taking “mitigation actions” to address the service issues. The company stated, “Our services are continuously improving as we take mitigation actions. We remain committed to treating this event with the highest priority and urgency while addressing the lingering impact on Microsoft 365 apps.”
What is the Blue Screen of Death?
The Blue Screen of Death, also known as black screen errors or STOP code errors, occurs when a critical issue forces Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly. You may see a message such as, “Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.”
These errors can be caused by hardware or software issues. If you recently installed new hardware and are encountering a Blue Screen error, try shutting down your PC, removing the new hardware, and restarting. If restarting is difficult, boot your PC in safe mode. For detailed instructions, refer to the guidance on starting your PC in safe mode in Windows.
Additionally, updating Windows with the latest patches through Windows Update, seeking help from other sources, or restoring Windows to a previous restore point may help resolve the issue.
How to Fix the Blue Screen Error
If these measures do not resolve the Blue Screen error, use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter available in the Get Help app:
- Open the Get Help app in Windows.
- Type “Troubleshoot BSOD error” in the search bar.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the app.