Microsoft releases automated recovery tool for CrowdStrike update crash

An update from security software CrowdStrike caused a widespread Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue impacting an estimated 8.5 million Windows devices. While CrowdStrike released a fix, not all machines received it automatically. Microsoft stepped in with a new recovery tool that streamlines the repair process for IT admins.

Microsoft's tool creates a bootable USB drive. This allows IT admins to bypass the need for a functioning Windows installation or administrator access on the affected machine. The tool automatically boots into a Windows PE environment, accesses the disk, and removes the problematic CrowdStrike file. This simplifies the process compared to manual methods that require booting into Safe Mode and deleting the file.

The tool even handles BitLocker-encrypted disks, prompting for the recovery key before proceeding. Microsoft has also provided separate recovery instructions for Windows Virtual Machines running on Azure and all Windows 10/11 devices on their support site.

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