# Microsoft outage disrupts work and public services across the US

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/microsoft-outage-shakes-up-companies-schools-and-local-governments-across-us/
- Published: 2026-11-13T21:13:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T21:32:59+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/nov/13/microsoft-outage-shakes-up-companies-local-governments
- Topics: Americas, Government, Politics, Software, Technology, World

## Key points

- A Microsoft outage disrupted services across the US.
- Outlook began recovering on Friday, though some access issues continued.
- Local services, schools and businesses reported practical effects.

## Summary

A Microsoft outage that began at about 1pm ET on Thursday disrupted Outlook and other services used by businesses, schools and local governments across the US. Although Outlook began recovering on Friday, the disruption showed how public services and day-to-day work can depend on Microsoft’s email, communications and cloud tools.

The effects included delayed technicians and problems paying water bills in Maryland, unavailable online bond payments at a Colorado detention facility, and communication issues for emergency services and schools. Congressional staff said the outage complicated work on pending legislation, while Workhorse Group postponed its earnings call. Microsoft said services were improving and there was no indication of malicious activity; by the end of Friday, most issues appeared to have been resolved.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.