Microsoft is radically changing the Blue Screen of Death, and it could confuse longtime Windows users.

Why change the blue screen to black now? Did the viral images of Times Square rendered useless by the BSOD cause that much reputational harm?

For decades, the Blue Screen of Death, or BSOD to its friends, has instilled a mix of panic, dread, exasperation, and rage across countless Windows users.

The new BSOD recalls the black screen shown during a Windows update, but it will list the stop code and system driver that contributed to the crash. This should make life easier for IT admins.