Microsoft is preparing to retire one of Windows' most recognizable features - the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error message. The tech giant announced the change in its latest Windows Insider blog post, revealing a completely redesigned error screen for Windows 11.
The new error screen abandons the iconic blue background and familiar sad emoji face that has been part of Windows since version 8. During the testing phase, the screen appears in green, though reports suggest the final version will feature a black background when released to the public.
Beyond the color change, Microsoft has dramatically simplified the error message interface. The new design displays a straightforward message stating "Your device ran into a problem, and needs to restart" along with a restart progress percentage. Technical details like stop codes and failure triggers remain available but are presented more concisely at the bottom of the screen.
The redesign is currently available to Windows Insiders testing Build 26120.3653 on Windows 11 version 24H2 and higher through beta, dev, and canary channels. Microsoft states the updated interface aims to help users return to productivity more quickly while maintaining consistency with Windows 11's overall design principles.
This change marks another evolution in Windows' error screen history, which began with a text-based display in Windows 1.0. The BSOD has undergone several iterations over the decades, including color variations and information layout changes across different Windows versions.
While this update represents a notable departure from the familiar blue screen, Microsoft's history of experimenting with different BSOD designs suggests that future changes remain possible.