Microsoft KILLS iconic Windows Blue Screen of Death — Windows 11 gains new, darker OS error screen

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Approximately a year ago, a widespread Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) failure affecting Windows systems occurred globally. This incident disrupted retail stores, airports, business transactions, and various other establishments worldwide. The initial cause of the outage was unclear, but it was later determined to stem from a flawed driver released by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.

Although Microsoft wasn’t directly responsible, it exposed some vulnerabilities in the security, kernel, and third-party software aspects of the Windows operating system. It became evident that modifications were necessary, leading to the establishment of the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WSI) last year, aimed at addressing these problems.

Ever since then, Microsoft has been making swift efforts to enhance Windows, making it more resistant to third-party security software causing issues at the core operating system level. Now, they’ve shared some updates about their advancements in this area.

As a tech enthusiast, I’d say it’s all about revamping the traditional BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) completely. Gone are the days when the error screen would be adorned with a blue background or a melancholic face. Instead, it will take on a more modern look, resembling an update screen. The new design will boast a sleek black backdrop and a straightforward message that reads, “Your device encountered an issue and requires a restart.

In the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2, the revamped Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) will display an error code together with the faulty system file or driver’s name. However, it won’t include the practical QR code that was previously featured. It’s accurate to say that this new design lacks the iconic appeal of the original BSOD.

On Windows, Microsoft is asking for significant modifications from security software as a condition for continued operation. These adjustments are part of the Microsoft Virus Initiative 3.0 (MVI) program, which means that developers of such software must utilize update deployment rings when releasing new versions or updates to their programs.

Deployment rings facilitate monitoring the process of an update distribution for cybersecurity firms, preventing potential chaos on users’ Windows computers during the update transition. If problems with an update are detected, the software creators can halt its release.

Furthermore, it’s been decided that certain cybersecurity software won’t be permitted to operate at the core level of the system (kernel level). Instead, antivirus and endpoint protection tools will function in user mode, similar to standard Windows applications. This change means they can only inflict limited damage to the operating system if an update encounters issues.

Microsoft is enhancing Windows, its operating system, to ensure a better user experience when it’s temporarily disconnected due to a problematic driver or update.

With Windows 11 version 24H2, the operating system now speeds up the process of generating a crash report, enabling devices to try restarting more quickly. If Windows fails to reboot, it will switch to a new swift recovery mode for machines, which is intended to let Microsoft deliver fixes to devices that have been taken offline due to a problematic update, without requiring manual IT assistance.

Machine recovery feature for Windows 11 is scheduled to roll out later this year, and it will be accessible across all versions of the operating system, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. To enjoy these enhancements, businesses will have to upgrade their existing Windows 10 computers to Windows 11.

Microsoft is determined to prevent a repeat of the CrowdStrike outage incident from happening on Windows platform in future. Last year’s incident garnered international attention and reflected poorly on both Microsoft and Windows, even though they were not directly at fault for it.

That’s probably why Microsoft is attempting to make the BSOD screen less iconic.

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2025-06-26 23:09