Windows 11: The blue screen of death is making a triumphant return

Black screen of death we hardly knew you

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Microsofthas reversed course regarding its decision to change the color of its notorious error screen from blue to black inWindows 11.

Theblue screen of deatherror screen has been an unwelcome sight for users of the software giant’soperating systemsince it was first introduced in Windows 3.0 all the way back in 1990. This error screen only appears on yourPCwhen it has encountered a serious problem and needs to restart which is why Windows users dread seeing it so much.

While Microsoft has changed the blue screen of death over the years to include additional information on errors to help its users troubleshoot problems, the color of the error screen has always remained blue from Windows 3.0 up untilWindows 10.

However, back in July, it appeared as if the company would change the color of the iconic error screen fromblue to blackwith the release ofWindows 11. Perhaps Microsoft wanted to do this to makeWindows 11stand out from its predecessors and give the new version of its operating system adistinctive style.

From black back to blue

From black back to blue

Although Microsoft never provided a proper explanation regarding its decision to change the blue screen of death to black, it now appears as if the company has changed its mind.

AsreportedbyZDNetandfirst spottedbyArs Technica, the software giant is rolling back its color change in a new Windows 11 preview released to its Beta and Release Preview Channels.

At the bottom of ablog postdetailing all of the improvements in Windows 11 preview Build 22000.346, there is a bullet point which reads: We changed the screen color to blue when a device stops working or a stop error occurs as in previous versions of Windows”.

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

While you’ll hopefully never have to encounter this dreaded error screen yourself, at least now when you do, you’ll know exactly what you’re in for thanks to the color change back to blue.

Looking to upgrade for Windows 11? Check out our roundup of thebest business computersas well as our lists of thebest business laptops,best workstationsandbest mobile workstations

ViaZDNet

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

iStorage Group acquires Kanguru Solutions as it looks to expand security offering

Phishing attacks surge in 2024 as cybercriminals adopt AI tools and multi-channel tactics

Smeg Combi Steam Oven review: a multi-functional countertop oven that looks stunning and cooks well