How do I use the fake Windows 10 update prank?

Open this page, press Fullscreen or F11 and leave the computer. It looks like Windows is installing updates: the dots spin and the percentage creeps up by about 1% every half minute, stalling at 99%.

Can I use it to step away from my desk?

Some people leave it on screen during a break so the computer looks busy. Remember it is only a web page: your PC is not updating or locked, so lock it properly if privacy matters.

How do I close the fake update screen?

Press Esc or click anywhere. If needed, press F11 to leave full screen or close the browser tab.

Windows 10 fake update

A pixel-perfect Windows 10 update screen, complete with the slow percentage crawl. Set it up before someone's coffee break for maximum effect.

Pranks

Working on updates 8% complete.

Don't turn off your PC. This will take a while.

Your PC may restart several times

Click anywhere or press Esc to exit

Used for

How to use it

Set the scene

Open this page on their computer and press Fullscreen (or F11). The screen fills edge to edge.
Walk away

Push the mouse pointer to a screen edge, leave the room, and let the scene do the work.
Reveal it

Click anywhere or press Esc to exit. Nothing was installed or changed on the computer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the fake Windows 10 update prank?: Open this page, press Fullscreen or F11 and leave the computer. It looks like Windows is installing updates: the dots spin and the percentage creeps up by about 1% every half minute, stalling at 99%.
Can I use it to step away from my desk?: Some people leave it on screen during a break so the computer looks busy. Remember it is only a web page: your PC is not updating or locked, so lock it properly if privacy matters.
How do I close the fake update screen?: Press Esc or click anywhere. If needed, press F11 to leave full screen or close the browser tab.

Black Screen of Death

Pranks

The newer, even more confusing relative of the BSOD. Almost no text, just a blinking cursor — perfect for the briefest, most alarming silence.

Prank

Broken screen

Pranks

A web of convincing cracks rendered right on the glass. Great for short videos, photo composites, or a really mean April Fool's.

Prank

Blue Screen of Death

Pranks

A pixel-perfect Windows Blue Screen of Death. Set it up before you walk away from a friend's laptop. Click anywhere to escape — they don't need to know that.

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Hacker screen

Pranks

A green-on-black terminal that pours out code as fast as you can mash the keyboard. Look like a movie hacker, or leave it running on a friend's screen.