Fake Update & Error Screens
These are cosmetic replicas rendered in your browser. They do not touch your operating system, install anything, or change any setting — closing the tab ends the effect. Do not use them to deceive someone into paying money or handing over access.
- 6 replica screens
- Cosmetic only
- Esc exits instantly
- No system changes
Use these responsibly
These are cosmetic replicas rendered in a browser tab. They install nothing, change no setting, and end when the tab closes. They are fine for a harmless desk prank, a film or stage prop, a UI mock-up or a screenshot. They are not fine for pressuring somebody into paying for a "fix", for locking a machine you do not own, or for anything that could be read as fraud.
Making one look convincing
- Go fullscreen first — visible browser chrome gives it away instantly.
- Match the screen to the actual operating system on the machine.
- Set a duration long enough to be believable but short enough to end on its own.
- Esc always exits.
Fake Update Screens — common questions
Do fake update screens change anything on my computer?
No. They are full-screen animations inside a browser tab. They install nothing and modify no setting, and closing the tab ends the effect.
How do I exit a fake update screen?
Press Escape, or close the tab. Leaving fullscreen with F11 also reveals the browser controls again.
Is it legal to use one as a prank?
A harmless prank on your own device, a prop, or a mock-up is fine. Using one to extort money, to lock a machine you do not own, or to deceive someone into paying for a fix is not.
Related sections
Full Screen Color Tools
Fill your monitor, TV or phone with one solid color. Useful for spotting dead pixels, dust, backlight bleed and uneven panels.
Monitor & Display Test Patterns
Browser-based display test patterns: gradient banding, OLED burn-in, checkerboard, pixel response, viewing angle, gray uniformity…
Fullscreen Browser Screensavers
Fullscreen browser screensavers: digital clock, Pomodoro timer, Matrix rain, rain on window, starfield and custom scrolling text…
Every display tool, one click away
All 34 tools in this section, grouped by what they do. Back to the Display Tools hub.