Microsoft is preparing to give one of its most recognizable error screens—the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)—a major makeover. In an upcoming Windows update, the company will remove the sad face emoji and QR code, replacing the blue background with a cleaner, black error screen that’s easier to read. The BSOD has been part of Windows for nearly four decades, appearing when the system crashes due to serious errors.
Now, Microsoft says the new design will align better with Windows 11’s modern look and improve clarity for users and IT professionals. The new error screen will keep the message, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” but it will now appear in a simplified black layout. Technical details like the error code and system driver responsible for the crash will be shown at the bottom of the screen.
Microsoft’s VP of Enterprise and OS Security, David Weston, explained that this update is focused on helping users and support teams identify and fix problems more quickly. This design change is part of Microsoft’s broader “Windows Resiliency Initiative,” aimed at improving stability and reducing the impact of system crashes. The move comes after last year’s major outage, where a faulty update caused millions of Windows PCs to crash. In addition to the new error screen, Microsoft is also working on a quick recovery feature that will help computers restart more smoothly after unexpected shutdowns. Both updates are expected to roll out later this summer.
