Microsoft has revealed plans to phase out the famed “Blue Screen of Death.” This feature is infamous for causing surprise restarts on Windows computers, going all the way back to the Windows 3.1 launch in the early 1990s. The world’s leading tech giant is walking the talk! Coming this summer, Windows 11 24H2 devices will replace the familiar blue “death screen” with a redesigned black screen. The decision follows a series of high-profile failures. Perhaps the most infamous of these incidents was the result of a bad CrowdStrike update on July 19, 2024.
The “Blue Screen of Death” it has appeared on billions of computer screens around the world. In fact, it usually indicates serious underlying system issues that force spontaneous reboots. This particular incident on July 19 led to widespread IT outages, affecting various locations including Starbucks in Austin, Texas, flight information screens at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and even causing significant disruptions at Amtrak’s South Station in Boston. T3 IGI Airport in New Delhi, India, with thousands of flight cancellations and uncontrolled delays. Those disruptions were due to the same problem plaguing the airport.
In reaction to these challenges, Microsoft is trying to make the post-unexpected restart experience better for customers. The company stated, “This change is part of a larger continued effort to reduce disruption in the event of an unexpected restart.” Please note that the new black screen features an improved user interface. It fits right into the sleek, modern Windows 11 aesthetic and makes the whole experience visually cohesive.
The second big focus of Microsoft’s initiative is reducing downtime with each restart. The technology company aims for a two-second restart time for the average user. This goal is a huge step up from previous experiences with the ominous “Blue Screen of Death.”
Despite this lack of response, Microsoft is continuing to drive the FAST Act update forward. It was designed to address systemic mistakes and provide an overall better user experience. Transitioning from blue ink to black ink is one important technical shift. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to continue evolving its operating system in response to user needs and feedback.