Microsoft Ditches the Iconic Blue Screen of Death for This Sleek New Look

Almost every Windows user has encountered the legendary "Blue Screen of Death," often referred to as BSOD shortly. At minimum, this occurrence happens once. Above all, the notorious error screen stands out due to its vivid blue background, the melancholic emoticon, and the straightforward "An error has occurred" message, making the interface unmistakably familiar at first glance.

However, Microsoft is now altering the appearance of the blue error screen and deviating from convention. Actually, it will no longer be referred to as a "blue screen" since, in the present preview release of Windows 11 24H2, the error screen has been transformed into something different. completely black (For Windows Insiders using test versions, the error screen will appear green instead.)

Microsoft

It goes beyond just the color. Apparently, other distinctive features are also getting eliminated, as Windows Latest has discovered. For example, it no longer displays a sad smiley face or a QR code. The QR codes have been a part of the Blue screen error design has been present since 2016 with Windows 10. , all aimed at guiding users toward appropriate troubleshooting advice.

The message has been updated as well. Now it reads "Your device encountered an issue and requires a reboot," which is considerably briefer and less daunting. Instead of using "PC," it uses "device," making it applicable to devices beyond just desktops and laptops. The particular cause of the crash along with the error code appears at the bottom but in significantly smaller font size.

This has been anticipated for quite some time now.

Microsoft reportedly created a fresh system crash screen during the early stages of developing Windows 11, though these modifications seem to have been set aside or possibly delayed for a future update. It appears this change might be implemented soon, as test versions currently incorporate the redesigned interface.

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Why does Microsoft desire to alter the BSOD at all? It remains unclear. Perhaps Microsoft wants to distance itself from the blue error screen's well-known status, as this icon can represent the frequent issues associated with Windows updates.

If that’s the case, it’s hard to see the redesigned error screen as an improvement—the new look is now even more reminiscent of a funeral, as it’s completely black and white. And despite the accrued baggage, the familiar blue screen will certainly be missed by long-time Windows users, as it has long been a historical part of the Windows experience.

It’s not yet known exactly when the new system crash error screen will be rolled out to the public version of Windows 11. We haven’t yet been able to discover it in the official Windows 11 roadmap , but the change will probably be introduced in an upcoming Patch Tuesday.