when will outlook be up and running, should we just go home from work

Microsoft has confirmed an active Outlook/Microsoft 365 incident today, November 12, 2026, but has not published a restoration time, so check the service-health incident feed rather than troubleshooting individual PCs.^1^

Check for the next update

• Microsoft 365 administrator: Open the Microsoft 365 admin center → Health → Service health → Active issues Microsoft is working on, then select the Outlook or Exchange Online incident. Its details show the status, impact, latest update, and Microsoft’s progress messages. Service Support and Helpdesk admins can also view this page.^2^
• No admin access: Monitor the public Microsoft service health status. Ask your IT administrator for tenant-specific updates because the admin-center feed may contain more detail.
• Administrators can open the incident and select Manage notifications for this issue to receive subsequent updates.^2^

A “next update” time is not necessarily the time service will be restored. Wait for the incident status to become Service restored.

Whether employees should go home is a decision for your manager or IT/business-continuity team; Microsoft’s status information cannot determine workplace arrangements. If other work is available, use your organization’s approved alternatives until service returns.

References

1. Microsoft service health status
2. How to check Microsoft 365 service health