NEW DELHI: Millions of Windows users worldwide are currently grappling with the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. This issue has caused significant disruptions, as affected systems suddenly shut down or restarted, leading to widespread frustration and operational challenges. The root cause of this global outage has been traced to a recent update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company. 

The update, specifically related to the Falcon Sensor, has triggered the BSOD error on numerous Windows 10 systems. This glitch has not only impacted individual users but also major organizations, including airlines and banks, which rely heavily on Windows-based systems for their operations.

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is actively working to resolve it. The company has advised users to refrain from making multiple attempts to restart their systems, as this could exacerbate the problem. Instead, they recommend waiting for further updates and guidance from their technical teams.  In its first statement after the massive Microsoft outage caused by an update to CrowdStrike 'Falcon Sensor', the security firm's CEO has said the issue has been isolated and a fix has been deployed.

The bug has affected many stock exchanges, supermarkets and flight operations across the globe. Users are experiencing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, which is causing their systems to shut down or restart unexpectedly. 

In a statement on X, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said that the company is working with customers who have been impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts, adding that Mac- and Linux-based systems have not been affected.

The BSOD error, a long-standing bane for Windows users, typically indicates a critical system error that the operating system cannot recover from without a restart. While such errors are not uncommon, the scale and impact of the current issue are unprecedented. Social media platforms are flooded with reports and images of the dreaded blue screen, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

For users experiencing this issue, it is advisable to stay updated with official communications from Microsoft and CrowdStrike. Ensuring that all critical data is backed up and avoiding unnecessary system reboots can help mitigate potential data loss and further complications. 

According to IT experts, the current BSOD error affecting millions of Windows users underscores the importance of robust update testing and swift response mechanisms in mitigating the impact of such widespread technical issues. As Microsoft and CrowdStrike work towards a resolution, users should remain patient and follow official guidance to navigate this challenging situation, they added.

There are several factors that can cause a BSOD, including, hardware issues, faulty hardware components such as RAM, hard drives, or graphics cards can trigger a BSOD, and driver problems like outdated drivers can cause conflicts within the system, leading to a BSOD (This is often seen after installing new hardware or updating drivers), software conflicts, especially those that interact closely with the operating system and overheating or hardware failure can also be culprits.