Every Windows user has faced the infamous “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) at least once. This legendary error screen is easily recognized by its bright blue color, the sad smiley face, and the straightforward message, “An error has occurred.”
However, Microsoft is shaking things up by redesigning the error screen and moving away from tradition. In the latest preview version of Windows 11 24H2, the BSOD is no longer blue; it’s now completely black. For Windows Insiders testing the new versions, it will appear green instead.
It’s not just the color that’s changing. Windows Latest has noted that other familiar elements are disappearing as well. For instance, the sad smiley face and the QR code, which has been part of the BSOD design since 2016 to provide users with troubleshooting tips, will no longer be displayed.
The text has also been updated. It now reads, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” which is shorter and less intimidating. The term “device” replaces “PC,” making it applicable to a wider range of technology, beyond just desktops and laptops. The specific cause of the crash and its error code will be shown at the bottom in much smaller text.
This change has been in the works for a while. Reports suggest that Microsoft started developing a new crash screen during the early stages of Windows 11 but may have postponed its implementation until now, as the new design is already appearing in preview builds.
But why is Microsoft opting for a redesign of the BSOD? The reasoning remains unclear. It’s possible that the company wants to move away from the blue screen’s iconic status, which has become synonymous with the various issues that often arise during Windows updates.
That said, the black-and-white redesign may evoke a more somber atmosphere, resembling a funeral, and longtime Windows users are likely to miss the traditional blue screen, as it has been a significant part of the Windows experience.
As for when this new system crash error screen will be available in the public version of Windows 11, the exact timeline is still uncertain. It hasn’t been detailed in the official Windows 11 roadmap, but it’s expected to be part of an upcoming Patch Tuesday release.
This article was originally published in our sister publication, PC-WELT, and has been translated and localized from German.
