“We’re aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform. We anticipate a resolution is forthcoming,” a Microsoft spokesperson told TechCrunch in a statement.
The spokesperson added that the previous Microsoft 365 service disruption overnight July 18 to 19 was unrelated to the widespread outage triggered by the CrowdStrike update.
Global Impacts of the IT Outage
The effects of the global IT outage have been extensive and severe.
Airlines and airports across Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, China, Japan, India, Singapore, and Taiwan reported problems with check-in and ticketing systems. This led to flight delays and considerable chaos at airports. In the U.S., federal airspace officials announced a nationwide ground stop of air traffic due to the outages, which experts said might impact the climate.
In the U.K., the London Stock Exchange faced disruptions, and several doctors’ offices reported that the outage affected the National Health Service’s clinical computer system, which contains medical records and is used for scheduling appointments.
