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Microsoft Introduces Green Screen of Death Exclusively for Windows Insiders

By Andre Da Costa

Updated November 19, 2020

The BSOD is now the GSOD–at least for Windows Insiders. Check out the new green screen of death!

The blue screen of death—as it is affectionately known—has not changed much since the introduction of Windows. But soon, instead of the BSOD, Windows Insiders may start seeing the GSOD—that is, the green screen of death.

At some point, you might have encountered the famous memory dump screen, which displays a cryptic error message on a blue background.

The old school BSOD

Once archaic but now iconic, the blue screen of death is synonymous with catastrophic (and sometimes comedic) PC failures, and it has remained largely unchanged over the years. Microsoft did make minor updates to the appearance starting with Windows 8 in 2012. These days, you will be greeted by something less intimidating: a sad emoticon followed by an error code. Microsoft has even made the cryptic error codes easier to decipher by adding an option to use a QR code reader to scan it and quickly find a solution.

In the very near future, the BSOD will be going green, but only for those who participate in the Windows Insider Program. The Windows Insider Program has experienced rapid growth since its founding in late 2014, with more than 7 million participants worldwide, the program has pretty much reached the mainstream. Early adopters enthusiastically jump on new builds of Windows 10 still under construction, and oftentimes, encounter bugs and errors still pending fixes or diagnosis. For this reason, Microsoft is introducing an easy way for Windows Insiders and support staff to identify problems associated with Windows 10 Insider Preview code, unofficially called the GSOD.

BSOD vs. GSOD: Green Screen of Death Makes it Easier to Diagnose Windows 10 Insider Error Codes

The GSOD is not that different from the regular blue screen users might see in commercial releases of Windows 10. Windows Insider, Chris Holmes who goes by the name Chris123NT on Twitter, revealed the new feature in a leaked build, 14997. The green screen is expected to help Windows Insiders and Microsoft support staff diagnose problems specifically related to the Windows 10 previews. Beyond that, there is not much else to reveal.

Via Chris123NT

Microsoft is working hard to deliver new previews of the Windows 10 Creators Update before its final release in the spring of 2017. The new version focuses on creativity in a number of areas such as virtual reality, 3D, communication, eSports, and a new game mode, which optimizes system resources just for playing games. The Windows Team is also focusing on refining Windows 10 in less exciting areas. The Creators Update will be easier to set up, while support for a new feature called Blue Light might come built-in for the first time in Windows. A new theme interface will replace the old themes control panel, while Windows Update will make it easier for users to manage and delay the installation of updates.