Microsoft is redesigning the Windows BSoD to get you back to work ‘as fast as possible’

Microsoft has quietly revealed it’s redesigning the Blue Screen of Death, the notification that Windows presents after it crashes so badly a reboot is the only way out.

Redmond revealed its plans in March 28 post – note the date because we would do a much better April 1 gag than that – which describes changes in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653.

Here’s what Microsoft has to say about the BSoD redesign:

We’re previewing a new, more streamlined UI for unexpected restarts which better aligns with Windows 11 design principles and supports our goal of getting users back into productivity as fast as possible. We’ve simplified your experience while preserving the technical information on the screen.

And here’s the proposed design:

Microsoft's proposed BSOD redesign - Click to enlarge

The proposed design does not include elements of the current BSoD such as the frowning emoticon ...