If you’re seeing a blue screen on your Windows 10 computer, you’re not the only one. Users worldwide are experiencing this issue, and it’s causing widespread frustration. Social media is filled with images of blue screens, and even major locations like banks and airports are affected. The problem seems to be linked to a recent update from CrowdStrike. So, what’s causing this blue screen glitch?
Microsoft Windows Outage
A major global technology outage recently disrupted services worldwide. The issue has been linked to CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm based in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2011, CrowdStrike offers cybersecurity solutions to major clients, including Microsoft.
The firm serves 298 Fortune 500 companies and plays a crucial role for top players in various sectors, such as eight out of ten leading financial services firms, seven of the top ten manufacturers, six top healthcare providers, and eight top food companies.
Notably, CrowdStrike has previously investigated significant cyber incidents, including the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the 2016 Democratic National Committee breach.
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What is CrowdStrike Issues?
CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company, provides advanced security for Windows through cloud-based AI and machine learning. Recently, an update from CrowdStrike has caused Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues on Windows systems. The company is aware of the problem and is actively working on a fix.
In a recent support note, CrowdStrike confirmed reports of BSOD crashes across various sensor versions. Although they have acknowledged the issue, they have not provided specific details or the cause. The company has assured users that their engineering teams are addressing the problem and advised against opening support tickets. Until a permanent fix is available, users should be cautious.
Microsoft has also commented on the situation, stating, “We’re aware of the issue affecting Windows devices due to a third-party software update. We expect a resolution soon.”
Omer Grossman, Chief Information Officer at CyberArk, described the problem as potentially one of the biggest cybersecurity issues of 2024. He explained that the malfunction in CrowdStrike’s endpoint protection software, which runs with high privileges, has led to widespread crashes.
Grossman noted two main concerns: restoring business operations and identifying the cause of the malfunction. He mentioned that the issue might stem from human error or a sophisticated cyberattack. CrowdStrike’s forthcoming analysis will be crucial.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz reassured users via X, stating that the company is addressing a defect in a specific Windows update. He emphasized that this is not a security breach or cyberattack. The issue has been isolated, and a fix has been deployed.
Kurtz encouraged customers to check the support portal for updates and communicate through official channels. He assured that the CrowdStrike team is dedicated to maintaining security and stability for their customers.
How to Resolve the CrowdStrike?
The recent issue with CrowdStrike Falcon software, which is causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors on Windows 10, may soon be resolved with a new update. In the meantime, CrowdStrike has provided a temporary manual fix for affected users. According to their support note, follow these four steps to address the BSOD issue:
- Boot Windows into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment (WRE).
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike. - Find and delete the file named “C-00000291*.sys”.
- Restart your computer normally.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has also confirmed these steps as a temporary solution. This fix is a stopgap measure, and both CrowdStrike and Microsoft are expected to release a permanent resolution soon.
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Microsoft Windows Outage FAQs
Q.1. What is causing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 10?
Ans. The BSOD issue on Windows 10 is linked to a recent update from CrowdStrike’s Falcon software. This update has caused widespread system crashes.
Q.2. How can I temporarily fix the CrowdStrike BSOD issue?
Ans. To temporarily fix the issue, boot Windows into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment (WRE), navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike, delete the file named “C-00000291*.sys”, and then restart your computer.
Q.3. Has CrowdStrike acknowledged the BSOD problem?
Ans. Yes, CrowdStrike has confirmed the BSOD issue caused by their recent update. They are actively working on a permanent fix and have advised users to avoid opening support tickets.
Q.4. What is Microsoft’s response to the CrowdStrike BSOD issue?
Ans. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is aware that it affects Windows devices due to a third-party software update. They anticipate a resolution will be available soon.
Q.5. What did CyberArk’s Omer Grossman say about the CrowdStrike issue?
Ans. Omer Grossman described the CrowdStrike issue as one of the most significant cybersecurity problems of 2024, highlighting concerns about business continuity and the potential causes of the malfunction.
