Microsoft’s blue screen of death is an institution. While we may fear it, there is a comfort that has come with it lurking beneath the surface all these years. It’s the devil we know. But alas, karma has finally come a-knocking in the form of Windows 11.
Microsoft has confirmed that the blue screen of death (BSOD) is being replaced with a black screen of death in Windows 11. And this is a big deal. It’s the first major change we have seen to the blue screen of death in five years.
Back in 2016 Microsoft added a QR code to the BSOD. This served two purposes — so technicians could quickly identify the error and so the actual Windows 10 user could help find support for the problem.
Before this, the BSOD hadn’t changed since 2012 when a sad face was added to the screen. An integral addition, certainly.
It’s worth noting that technically this isn’t the first time the colour has changed. Back in 2016 a green screen of death was introduced, but only for Windows 10 testers.
While it’s unclear why the change is being made, it kinda tracks. Windows 11 is a fresh take on the operating system and includes other major design changes. One of the biggest and most contentious is the new centred taskbar, which is quite reminiscent of the dock on Apple devices.
It’s copped quite a bit of hate so far, even from our own reporters. But don’t worry, you’ll still have the option to left-align it if you so wish.
This isn’t the only Windows 11 decision that seems to be borrowing from Apple. The new OS will also be able to run Android apps natively. If this sounds familiar it’s because Apple’s new M1 chipset allows is newer Macs to run some iOS apps natively as well.