Microsoft unveils black 'screen of death' in Windows 11 update
Share this @internewscast.com

The notorious error screen also no longer features a frowning face.

REDMOND, Wash. — If you’ve ever used Windows, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death.” This notorious error message, which has stuck with users for over four decades, is about to get a makeover as it shifts to a black background.

This alteration to the well-known error display is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to enhance Windows’ robustness. The changes follow the previous year’s CrowdStrike incident that led to computers crashing globally.

“We’ve made it simpler than ever to deal with unexpected crashes and resume work swiftly,” stated Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, in an announcement made on Wednesday.

As part of that effort, Microsoft says it’s “streamlining” what users experience when encountering “unexpected restarts” that cause disruptions. And that means a makeover to the infamous error screen.

Beyond the now-black background, Windows’ new “screen of death” has a slightly shorter message. It’s also no longer accompanied by a frowning face — and instead shows a percentage completed for the restart process.

Microsoft says this “simplified” user interface for unexpected restarts will be available later this summer on all of its Windows 11 (version 24H2) devices.

And for PCs that may not restart successfully, Microsoft on Wednesday also said it’s adding a “quick machine recovery” mechanism. The will be particularly useful for during a widespread outage, the tech giant noted, as Microsoft “can broadly deploy targeted remediations” and automate fixes with this new mechanism “without requiring complex manual intervention from IT.”

Microsoft said this quick machine recovery will also be “generally available” later this summer on Window 11 — with additional capabilities set to launch later in the year.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials

Suspected Stalker Temporarily Detained After Girls’ Tragic Hit-and-Run, Arrested Again Days Later: Officials Report

A 17-year-old, suspected in a hit-and-run murder, was briefly detained and questioned…
Hopes fade for quick end to shutdown as Trump readies layoffs and cuts

Prospects Dim for Fast Shutdown Resolution as Trump Plans Job Cuts and Budget Reductions

The possibility of quickly ending the government shutdown seemed to be dwindling…
Brooklyn Book Bodega feeds young minds by filling home shelves

Brooklyn Book Bodega Nourishes Young Minds by Stocking Home Bookshelves

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is home to an inspiring initiative known as…
Day 3 of Prince Holland's murder trial

The Third Day of Prince Holland’s Homicide Trial

Jurors examined forensic evidence and rap videos linking Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious…
Illinois City Bars DHS Secretary Noem From City Hall and Intends to Tear Down ICE-Installed Barricades

Illinois City Blocks DHS Secretary Noem from City Hall and Plans to Remove Barricades Set Up by ICE

The situation in Broadview, Illinois, is nearing a critical level as local…
New Mexico governor signs bills to counter federal cuts, support health care and food assistance

New Mexico Governor Approves Legislation to Offset Federal Reductions and Bolster Health and Nutrition Support

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico signed a series of bills…
Government shutdown continues as Senate again rejects funding bills

Senate Blocks Funding Bills, Extending the Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota holds a copy of…
Costco offers Wegovy, Ozempic at reduced prices

Costco Introduces Discounted Rates for Wegovy and Ozempic

Costco members can already access the drug online and have the option…
Grieving Jacksonville mother relieved after arrest in teen daughter's fatal hit-and-run

Jacksonville Mother Finds Relief as Suspect Arrested in Teen Daughter’s Deadly Hit-and-Run Accident

Shardae Webber feels a sense of relief as police have detained Andre…
Israel claims no aid was found aboard Gaza-bound flotilla

Israel Reports Absence of Aid on Flotilla Heading to Gaza

Israel said the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was carrying plenty of activists,…
Blake Lively Shuts Down Taylor Swift Rift Rumors While Fans Theorize New Song “Cancelled!” Is About Her

Blake Lively Dismisses Rumors of a Feud with Taylor Swift as Fans Speculate About New Song “Cancelled!”

Blake Lively just proved her friendship with Taylor Swift is still very…
Chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up child

Chef Fatally Attacked During Carjacking While Collecting Child from Daycare

“He loved cooking, he loved making people happy. But more than anything,…