Microsoft has announced a redesign of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error message in Windows 11. The updated version replaces the traditional blue color, frowning face, and QR code with a simpler screen resembling the black screen seen during Windows updates. It’s unclear whether the BSOD will remain black when the final update is released.
In a blog post, Microsoft explained that the new design aims to align better with Windows 11’s overall look and feel, while focusing on quickly getting users back to productivity. The revamped screen simplifies the experience, yet still displays the necessary technical information.
Windows Insiders can test the new BSOD in the Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels, where it will initially appear as a green screen before transitioning to either a black or blue screen in future updates. This marks the first major update to the BSOD since Windows 8, which introduced the sad face emoji. The new BSOD will indicate a device issue with the message, “your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.”
While Microsoft briefly tested a black screen for BSODs in 2021, it returned to the blue screen in later builds. The updated design is expected to roll out soon with Windows 11 version 24H2, though Microsoft has not yet confirmed whether the BSOD will remain black or blue in the final release.
