Fake Windows Update Screen
Nothing says "don't touch my computer" like an update that's stuck at 23%. This page puts a fake update screen across the whole display, in your choice of four styles inspired by Windows XP, 7, 10 and 11, with a percentage that creeps up slowly. The artwork is our own, drawn with code, with no Microsoft logos. It's a harmless prank and nothing more.
Prank note: this is a picture of an update screen drawn in your browser. Nothing is downloaded, installed or changed, and it isn't a real or official Windows update. Press Esc to end it.
What people use the fake windows update for
The classic office prank
Leave it on a colleague's screen and watch them wait for an update that never finishes.
Keeping a shared computer to yourself
A machine that looks mid-update is one people tend to leave alone.
Props and set dressing
An update screen for a film, a video or a photo, without waiting for a real one.
How to use the fake windows update
- 1Pick a style: XP, 7, 10 or 11.
- 2Press F or use the Fullscreen button, so no browser bar gives it away. The screen won't go to sleep while it runs.
- 3Press H to hide the controls.
- 4Walk away. The percentage climbs slowly on its own. Use the speed control to set how fast it climbs; slower is more believable.
- 5Press Esc to exit full screen, and close the tab to end it.
More update and crash screens
Want a longer bit? Pair it with the fake hacker screen or the fake hacked screen, or finish on a blue screen of death. Other systems: fake Ubuntu update, fake Chromebook update and fake Mac update.
Frequently asked questions
How do I exit the fake update?+
Press Esc to leave full screen, then close the tab. On a touch screen, close the tab or switch apps.
Which Windows versions are included?+
Four styles: XP, 7, 10 and 11. For a single version with its own page, see the fake Windows 10 update and fake Windows 11 update.
Does it change anything on the computer?+
No. It's a web page drawing an animation. It doesn't download, install or change anything, and closing the tab ends it.
Why is there no Windows logo?+
The screens are original artwork drawn in code, so they show no Microsoft logos. They're styled after the look of each version, not copied from it.