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New Delhi: For many Windows users, the blue screen of death wasn’t just a crash screen. It was a moment of dread. Whether it showed up during work or gaming, that blue error screen meant something had gone wrong deep inside the system. But Microsoft is now putting that chapter behind.

In a quiet but significant change, Microsoft has confirmed it is replacing the familiar blue screen with a new black screen for unexpected restarts on Windows 11. The new screen will start rolling out later this summer as part of the Windows 11 24H2 update.

BSOD: Black replaces blue on restart

According to a blog post by Microsoft, the shift is part of its effort to “streamline the unexpected restart experience.” The blue screen of death, known as BSOD among tech users, has been around since the 1990s. It usually popped up after a system failure, and while frustrating, it had become an iconic part of the Windows experience.

The new black screen is intended to reduce the shock and make restarts feel less disruptive. Microsoft says the updated interface aligns with the overall Windows 11 design and promises quicker recovery. Most users can expect restart times to go down to just two seconds.

The company wrote, “This change is part of a larger continued effort to reduce disruption in the event of an unexpected restart.”

BSOD: A screen with history

The blue screen had its most widespread moment in July 2024, when a faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike accidentally caused crashes across the globe. The incident brought down systems in airports, hospitals, banks, and businesses, making the BSOD headline material for days.

Longtime Microsoft developer Raymond Chen had once noted that the blue screen dates back to the early ‘90s, becoming a tool for developers and IT teams to diagnose what went wrong during a crash.

A shift in experience, not just colour

Microsoft isn’t just changing the colour. The whole restart process is being improved. By redesigning the reboot screen, the company hopes to cut down the anxiety often tied to system errors. It’s also part of broader design changes coming to Windows 11 later this year.

The update will be available first to users of the 24H2 version of Windows 11. Microsoft hasn’t said whether older versions will get this visual refresh.

For users who have dealt with years of the dreaded blue screen, this marks the end of an era. Whether the black version brings fewer problems or just a calmer interface, it will definitely feel different the next time your PC suddenly restarts.