Microsoft’s infamous Blue Screen of Death is no longer going to blue – ‘BSOD’ explained

Microsoft's Blue Screen of Death may no longer be blue in the future. Here's why.

If you have used a Windows PC, you have likely encountered an infamous problem known as the Microsoft Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).It is easily recognisable by a sad emoji face and the message: "Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn't handle, and now it needs to restart."

The 'BSOD' often indicates a problem with your device. (Unsplash)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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This screen is iconic because it has traditionally been displayed in blue. However, Microsoft is now changing its appearance. The screen will no longer be blue but will instead adopt a more traditional colour scheme. Additionally, the emoji will be removed. This change was spotted in the Windows 11 preview (version 24H2). The error screen now appears black—and in some cases, green if running an Insider or test version of Windows.

What else is being changed?

The error message has been simplified. Previously, it stated: "Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn't handle, and now it needs to restart." The new version simply reads: "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart," accompanied by a percentage indicator.

Alongside this, the reason for the crash is now displayed at the bottom flanked by smaller text.

What even is the Microsoft Blue Screen of Death?

Microsoft describes blue screen errors—or the Blue Screen of Death, as it is commonly known—as an error that occurs when a serious problem causes Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly. This is done to prevent data loss. The error message may also state: "Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer."

Blue screen errors can be caused by various issues, including hardware failures, driver conflicts, and software problems. To help identify the cause, the error screen often displays a STOP code, such as “PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA.”

How to solve Blue Screen of Death errors?