CrowdStrike Archives

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Microsoft’s ‘Blue Screen of Death’ Dies After 40 Years of Memes, Jokes, T-Shirts

Microsoft is replacing the blue screen of death, a critical error screen for Windows users since 1985, with a new black screen of death for Windows 11, version 24H2 devices later this summer. This change is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at improving system resilience and security. The new black screen will provide essential information such as stop codes and faulty system drivers for easier diagnosis by IT administrators. The blue screen of death has become a pop-culture icon, inspiring memes, merchandise, and even a dedicated subreddit.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Microsoft readies Windows 11 users for 25H2

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 25H2 is forthcoming, serving as a feature enablement update rather than a complete overhaul, sharing the same underlying source code as Windows 11 24H2. Windows Insiders have already gained early access to 25H2, which will introduce additional features activated through an enablement package. Jason Leznek, Principal Project Manager for Windows Servicing and Delivery, noted the seamless compatibility between the two versions, advising a focus on new features rather than a comprehensive review of the operating system. Windows 11 24H2 has faced various issues since its release in 2024, leading to compatibility holds from Microsoft. A significant change in Windows 11 25H2 includes the retirement of the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), which will be replaced by a black "unexpected restart" screen, while still allowing users to view the stop error code. Microsoft is also introducing quick recovery options for PCs that have trouble restarting and enhancing its security framework by allowing antivirus and endpoint protection vendors to operate in user mode outside of the Windows kernel. The BSoD replacement is expected to roll out on Windows 11 24H2 devices over the summer and will be a key feature of Windows 11 25H2. Additionally, the Windows endpoint security platform will enter private preview in July.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the "blue screen of death" and will replace it with a black screen for Windows 11 devices running the 24H2 operating software, set to debut later this summer. The new screen aims to simplify the restart process and reduce reboot times to approximately two seconds. The "blue screen of death" originated in 1993 with Windows NT, indicating unrecoverable system failures. A version of the black screen was previously introduced to Windows 11 users in 2021.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Microsoft set to withdraw direct kernel access from security software

Microsoft is changing Windows to restrict security software from operating at the kernel level to reduce vulnerabilities. This decision follows a flawed update from CrowdStrike that crashed over 8.5 million Windows machines. Microsoft is collaborating with security firms like CrowdStrike, Bitdefender, ESET, and Trend Micro to create a new security platform, emphasizing a cooperative approach rather than dictating terms. The transition will start with a private preview for security companies, initially affecting antivirus and endpoint detection software, with plans to include other applications later. Microsoft is also introducing a Quick Machine Recovery feature to restore systems that fail to boot and replacing the "Blue Screen of Death" with a black screen as part of its updates.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

Microsoft is replacing the "blue screen of death" with a black screen in Windows 11, set to debut later this summer on devices running the 24H2 operating software. This update aims to enhance user experience during unexpected restarts, reducing reboot times to approximately two seconds. The blue screen has been part of Windows since the early 1990s, with its definitive version appearing in 1993 with Windows NT. A version of the black screen was first introduced in 2021, and the upcoming update will refine this interface during system failures.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

So Long, Blue Screen of Death. Amazingly, You’ll Be Missed

Microsoft plans to retire the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11, replacing it with a minimalist "unexpected restart screen" that will feature a black background and a single message: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” The redesign is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative aimed at enhancing system robustness and clarity. The BSOD originated from Windows NT 3.1 in 1993, where it displayed a wall of white text on a blue background. The change follows a significant incident in 2024 where a problematic update caused widespread issues, prompting Microsoft to distance itself from the iconic blue screen.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

Microsoft is trying to get antivirus software away from the Windows kernel

Microsoft is engaging with third-party companies to establish new standards for collaboration and address concerns. The company is implementing security enhancements for Windows, including a redesign of the "blue screen of death," now called the "unexpected restart screen," which will change from blue to black. This redesign aims to improve readability and align with Windows 11 aesthetics. A new feature, "quick machine recovery" (QMR), will help users recover from multiple unexpected restarts or boot loops by transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (RE). QMR will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, with configuration options for Pro and Enterprise versions. Both QMR and the redesigned screen will be included in the Windows 11 24H2 update, set to launch later this summer, with additional customization options planned for later in the year.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Windows Blue screen of death axed after 40 years, but BSOD still remains — will be replaced by new black Windows 11 ‘unexpected restart screen’

Microsoft has introduced a new black variant of the "blue screen of death" (BSOD) for Windows, which will provide essential information like stop codes and fault system drivers. This update is part of the "Windows Resiliency Initiative" aimed at improving product robustness. The sad emoticon face will be retired, and the new BSOD is scheduled for release in Windows 11 later this summer, featuring a user interface update and a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature. Other upcoming features include Connected Cache, Universal Print, Hotpatch Update, and Windows 365 Reserve. Users on older Windows 10 systems will still see the traditional BSOD with the frowning face emoji.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Officially Retires ‘Blue Screen of Death’ After 40 Years of Frowny-Faces

Microsoft is replacing the "blue screen of death" with a "black screen of death" for Windows 11, version 24H2, set to roll out this summer. The new screen will provide crucial information such as the stop code and faulty system driver to aid IT administrators in diagnosing issues more efficiently. This change is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, aiming to reduce recovery time to two seconds after a PC crash. The transition was prompted by the CrowdStrike outage in 2024, which affected over 8 million devices.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Windows is getting rid of the Blue Screen of Death after 40 years

Microsoft is replacing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a Black Screen of Death in Windows 11. The new design features a minimalist black screen that displays essential information, including the stop code and faulty system driver, improving clarity for users and IT administrators. This change is part of an upcoming update expected later this summer, which will also introduce the Quick Machine Recovery feature to address boot issues.