Microsoft to remove the iconic “Blue Screen of Death” after 40 years

29 June 2025 , 15:31

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Microsoft to remove the iconic “Blue Screen of Death” after 40 years

Microsoft to retire iconic Blue Screen of Death after 40 years

Microsoft plans to phase out its iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), long associated with unexpected system crashes on Windows PCs.

In a recent announcement, the company said it aims to “optimize the unexpected reboot experience” and has introduced a redesigned version of the error screen — this time in black. The update was unveiled on Microsoft’s official blog.

The new black crash screen is expected to roll out this summer as part of the Windows 11 24H2 update. According to Microsoft, it offers a “simpler” and “faster” recovery process after crashes, marking a significant change in one of the most recognizable elements of the Windows experience.

New “Black Screen of Death” in Windows
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has also announced plans to update the user interface of the error screen to better match the overall design language of Windows 11. In addition to the color change, the company aims to reduce system downtime after crashes to as little as two seconds for most users.

These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the crash recovery experience in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update.

“Blue Screen of Death” retired after 40 years of haunting users

“This change is part of a broader effort to reduce disruptions during unexpected restarts,” Microsoft stated.

As The Sun notes, the iconic Blue Screen of Death is disappearing from computer screens after 40 years of striking fear into people. On social media, many users said this marks the end of an era.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations