crash to desktop

Noun

 * 1)  An event where a software program running on a computer with an operating system that features a graphical desktop unexpectedly terminates without showing any error or halting of the system, and instead returns the user to the desktop.

Verb

 * 1)  To experience such an error.

Usage notes
Typically used to describe game crashes or occasionally other full screen applications that take the place of the desktop interface while they run.