In a significant update for Windows 11, Microsoft has officially replaced the long-familiar Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a new Black Screen of Death (BSOD), marking a notable shift in the operating system’s error reporting. The update, designated as KB5062660, is part of the optional cumulative updates for Windows 11 version 24H2, and it is now available for manual installation by users.
How to get update KB5062660
To access update KB5062660, users must navigate to Windows Update, as the update will not be automatically downloaded. Alternatively, it can be directly obtained from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This update, officially titled “2025-07 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2,” is compatible with both x64 and arm64 systems.
Upon installation, Windows 11 will be upgraded to Build 26100.4770, which includes a preview of features slated for release in the upcoming Patch Tuesday in August 2025. This future update will be automatically installed on all compatible devices.
The new Black Screen of Death
The most striking change introduced by this update is the transition from the iconic blue to a black background for the error screen. While the aesthetic has changed, the technical aspects remain unchanged. The new BSOD omits the previously included sad emoticon and QR code, instead simply notifying users that a problem has occurred and that a restart is necessary.
Notably, the new BSOD is designed to appear for only a brief moment—approximately two seconds—before disappearing. This rapid display may leave users unaware of the issue, particularly if they are engaged in other activities at the time.
Other new features in the update
Beyond the visual overhaul, update KB5062660 introduces several enhancements, particularly for AI-capable PCs. Many of these features will be exclusive to devices equipped with Copilot+ technology.
Additionally, the update will roll out the controversial Recall feature to users in the European Union, allowing for selective blocking of access to certain applications and websites. This feature operates locally on the PC and can be completely disabled in the Windows settings.
Another noteworthy improvement is the Quick Machine Recovery feature, which aims to expedite recovery for Windows computers experiencing widespread issues. This feature automatically detects problems and attempts to restore the system by downloading necessary patches from Windows Update, providing a lifeline for devices that struggle to boot up.
Further reading: Microsoft explains how the new wireless PC-to-PC migration feature works.
<h3 class="articleauthorhead”>Author: Hans-Christian Dirscherl, Managing Editor, PC-WELT
Hans-Christian Dirscherl has been immersed in the world of IT for over 25 years, beginning with foundational technologies such as Autoexec.bat and Turbo-Pascal. His extensive experience encompasses a wide array of topics, including news, reviews, and buying guides.
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