Global Microsoft outage silences email and Teams, but users stay online

A global Microsoft 365 outage disrupted email and Teams services for millions of users starting Thursday, halting typical workplace communication and prompting widespread social media reactions. The tech giant estimates up to 430 million people use its apps, though the exact number affected remains unknown. The disruption, which stretched into Friday, November 13, sparked memes and brand responses, with Air India and Burger King joking about the downtime. Some users reported Teams still functioning, while others pivoted to WhatsApp or enjoyed unexpected social interactions in offices, with one Redditor comparing the atmosphere to the 1990s. Despite the break from notifications, many remained online, refreshing screens and posting complaints rather than disconnecting. The World Health Organization suggested offline activities like walking, but most users stayed tethered to devices, highlighting the internet's pervasive role in daily life.