How To Fix Windows 10 Blue Screen Issues Caused by CrowdStrike Update

Widespread Blue Screen Issues Plague Windows 10 Users

If you’re facing a blue screen on your Windows 10, you’re not alone. Windows 10 users worldwide are facing this issue, with social media flooded with images of blue screens. Even critical places like banks and airports are affected. Reports suggest this glitch stems from a recent update by CrowdStrike. But what exactly is happening?

Understanding the CrowdStrike Glitch

CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, integrates with Windows to provide advanced security using cloud-based AI and machine learning for real-time threat detection and prevention. Recently, a CrowdStrike update has caused blue screen of death (BSOD) issues on Windows systems.

CrowdStrike acknowledged the problem in a support note, stating they’ve received numerous reports of Windows systems crashing across various sensor versions. They have not detailed the cause but assured users, “Our Engineering teams are actively working to resolve this issue and there is no need to open a support ticket.”

Official Responses and Statements

Microsoft has also addressed the issue, stating, “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.”

Omer Grossman, CIO at CyberArk, remarked, “This incident will be one of the most significant cyber issues of 2024. The global impact on business processes is dramatic, stemming from a CrowdStrike EDR product update. This product, running with high privileges, is causing operating systems to crash.”

He identified two main concerns:

1. Restoring Business Processes: Since endpoints have crashed, they can’t be updated remotely, requiring a manual fix for each endpoint, a process expected to take days.
2. Identifying the Cause: The issue could be due to human error or a sophisticated cyberattack. CrowdStrike’s upcoming analysis and updates will be crucial.

CrowdStrike’s Response

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz assured users via X, “CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not affected. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, and isolated, and a fix has been deployed. We recommend customers refer to our support portal for updates and communicate through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of our customers.”

Fixing the CrowdStrike BSOD

To resolve the CrowdStrike Windows 10 BSOD issue, follow these steps:

1. Boot Windows into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment (WRE).
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike.
3. Locate and delete files matching “C-00000291*.sys”.
4. Boot Windows normally.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has listed the same steps. While this is a temporary fix, a permanent solution from CrowdStrike and Microsoft is expected soon.

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