On May 22, 2025, Microsoft acknowledged an issue affecting its Exchange Online service, resulting in significant email delays for users across Australia. This disruption has impacted both businesses and individuals who rely on Microsoft’s cloud-based email platform for daily communication.
Nature of the Issue
Users have reported substantial slowdowns in email traffic, with messages taking considerably longer than usual to be sent or received. Technical forums and IT administrators have noted that the problem appears widespread, affecting various sectors and organizations throughout the country.
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft has addressed this incident under the identifier EX1079935 in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. The company has not yet disclosed the specific cause of the disruption but has assured users that their engineering teams are actively investigating and working towards a resolution. In a statement, Microsoft advised administrators to monitor the service health dashboard for real-time updates and to utilize tools like message trace to track the status of delayed emails.
Historical Context
This incident follows a series of recent outages and service disruptions affecting Exchange Online users globally. In March 2025, a week-long outage caused similar email delivery failures and delays, which Microsoft attributed to a code issue introduced during a service update. Although that problem was eventually mitigated, it highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining seamless email services for millions of users worldwide.
Impact on Australian Businesses
Australian businesses, many of which depend on Exchange Online for daily communication, are urged to stay informed through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and prepare for potential delays in email correspondence. Users experiencing persistent issues are encouraged to contact their IT support teams or refer to official Microsoft channels for troubleshooting guidance.
Recommendations for Users
While Microsoft works to resolve the issue, users can take the following steps to mitigate the impact:
1. Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and service health dashboard for updates on the situation.
2. Utilize Alternative Communication Methods: For urgent communications, consider using alternative platforms such as instant messaging apps or phone calls.
3. Inform Stakeholders: Notify clients, partners, and other stakeholders about potential email delays to manage expectations and maintain trust.
4. Prepare for Delays: Plan for possible delays in email correspondence and adjust workflows accordingly to minimize disruption.
Conclusion
Microsoft has not provided an estimated time for complete service restoration but has committed to keeping affected customers updated as the investigation progresses. Users are encouraged to stay vigilant and utilize available resources to navigate this disruption effectively.
