Microsoft recovering after outage disrupts email, communication services worldwide

Microsoft recovering after outage disrupts email, communication services worldwide Advertisement Updated: 5:52 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Brian Hamrick Reporter Microsoft recovering after outage disrupts email, communication services worldwide Updated: 5:52 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Brian Hamrick Reporter CINCINNATI — A major Microsoft outage disrupted Outlook email, Teams, and other services, affecting businesses, governments, and millions of users worldwide, including many in the local area. The system is recovering, but Microsoft has yet to issue an all-clear and plans to release a full report after its review is complete. Advertisement Scott Phillips, engineering president at Nexigen, described the outage as "extremely unusual." "In my entire career, I think I've seen an outage like this maybe once before," he said. Phillips experienced the disruption while preparing for a presentation. "Rather than prompting me with the sign-in page, it just sat there and spun and just never showed anything," he said. The outage left millions without access to essential communication tools. Brian Lincoln, Nexigen's chief technology officer, explained, "Initially it was email and Teams. So, communications within and between organizations was the biggest impact." Lincoln said the outage appears to have been caused by an intended upgrade rather than a cyberattack. "Something they did, within their environment, presumably to make everything better, more efficient, actually caused an impact that took down services," he said. Microsoft issued a statement apologizing for the disruption, saying in part, "We are deeply sorry for the disruption this incident has caused our customers and partners." Lincoln emphasized the importance of preparation for such disruptions. "Periodically I would review your business continuity plan. Have an alternate means of communication," he said. Despite the challenges, Phillips managed to quickly resume his presentation. "It was pretty frustrating, to be honest with you," he said. The outage serves as a reminder of the importance of backups and alternate communication methods in maintaining business continuity. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Flights halted at airports across US due to air traffic control communications problems Rescues underway after tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River Microsoft apologizes for massive outage that caused global disruption WATCH: Historic SS United States completes its final voyage – at the bottom of the Gulf