Jun 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM After several years, Windows replaces iconic Blue Screen of Death with a new Black Screen
After several years, Windows 11 is officially replacing the long-standing Blue Screen of Death with a new Black Screen of Death in an update expected later this summer, ending the iconic error screen globally recognized. The new design removes the frowny face and QR code, replacing them with a simpler message prompting a system restart.
The updated screen will include a stop code and the system driver responsible for the crash, providing clearer information to help users and IT administrators diagnose problems more efficiently. According to Microsoft VP David Weston, the goal is to improve clarity and speed up issue resolution.
It's also worth noting that this isn't the first time Microsoft has attempted to update its blue crash screen, as the company temporarily introduced a similar black screen in 2021 but reverted the change shortly after. Windows 11 will also introduce a Quick Machine Recovery feature to help restore unbootable systems quickly.
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External links
- The Windows Resiliency Initiative: Building resilience for a future-ready enterpriseWindows Experience Blog • Official source
- Windows is getting rid of the Blue Screen of Death after 40 yearsThe Verge
- Windows killed the Blue Screen of DeathTechCrunch
- Microsoft to Retire the Blue Screen of Death (Again) for a Black VoidPCMAG
- Microsoft KILLS iconic Windows Blue Screen of Death — Windows 11 gains new, darker OS error screenWindows Central
- Windows is finally kicking the Blue Screen of Death to the curbEngadget
Now someone gets to tell their boss that "blue screens of death" occurrences are down significantly.