The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), a well-known error screen in Microsoft’s Windows operating system, may soon be replaced. Traditionally recognized since the early days of Windows, the BSOD is undergoing significant changes in the latest preview build, aligning with the aesthetic and functional goals of Windows 11.
According to a recent post on the Windows Insider blog, Microsoft has introduced a new green user interface that not only simplifies error messages but also aims to help users return to their tasks more efficiently. This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 (KB5053658), currently being rolled out to Insiders on Windows 11 version 24H2 and later in the beta, dev, and canary channels.
The updated BSOD will display a fresh blue screen interface, reminiscent of the Windows update dialog. While it retains essential technical information, such as stop codes and error causes, the language has been streamlined compared to earlier versions from Windows 98 or XP. Notably, the new interface does away with sad emoticons and QR codes.
This isn’t the first indication that Microsoft is updating the error message interface, and it may not be the final rendition. Reports from Windows Latest suggest that the BSOD could introduce a black screen instead of the current blue or green. The recent green color might have been a temporary feature for Insider participants.
Microsoft had previously tested a black screen for the BSOD in 2021 but reverted back to the blue version that has been in use since Windows 8. For longtime Windows users, this transition is seen as a positive development. In addition to aesthetic improvements, BSOD occurrences have reportedly decreased over time, thanks to advancements in system stability and hardware compatibility.
