Microsoft is set to retire the iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a new Black Screen of Death in an upcoming Windows 11 update. This change marks a significant shift in how the operating system communicates critical system errors to users.
The BSOD has been a staple of the Windows experience since its introduction in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, it has undergone various modifications, including the addition of a sad face emoticon in Windows 8 and QR codes in later versions to assist users in troubleshooting. The decision to transition to a black background aligns with Windows 11's overall aesthetic, which features black logon and shutdown screens. This change was initially tested in early builds of Windows 11 but was reverted to blue in subsequent updates. Now, Microsoft is officially rolling out the Black Screen of Death in Windows 11 version 24H2. (windowslatest.com)
The new Black Screen of Death will display a black background with a concise message informing users that their device has encountered a problem and needs to restart. Notably, it will omit the frowning face and QR code present in previous versions. However, it will still provide essential information such as the stop code and the system driver that contributed to the crash, facilitating troubleshooting for IT administrators. (windowslatest.com)
David Weston, Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, emphasized the goal of this redesign: "This is really an attempt on clarity and providing better information and allowing us and customers to really get to what the core of the issue is so we can fix it faster." (windowslatest.com)
While the new design aims to streamline the error message, some IT professionals have expressed concerns that the removal of certain elements, like the QR code, might make it more challenging for users to find detailed information about the error. The QR code previously allowed users to quickly access Microsoft's support resources related to the specific error encountered.
The Black Screen of Death is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program and is expected to be included in the Windows 11 24H2 update, slated for release later this summer. Users can anticipate a more modern and cohesive experience when encountering system errors, reflecting Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the Windows operating system.
Source: Engadget Windows is finally kicking the Blue Screen of Death to the curb