seven humorous computer tricks to amuse your pals

Pranking Your Coworker's PC: A Guide to Safe and Fun Office Mayhem

Let's face it, we all need a break from the monotony of office life every now and then. If you've got a mischievous streak (or a bone to pick), you can elevate your interoffice prank war by subtly messing with a few settings on someone else's computer. But remember, if you can do it to them, they may just have the power to do it back. So, tread carefully, my friend.

Here are some of our favorite PC pranks that are safe, fun, and sure to spice things up at the office.

Faux Frozen Desktop

Make a coworker think their computer's frozen by snapping a screenshot of their desktop, shortcuts, and all, setting it as their wallpaper, removing their shortcuts, and hiding the menu bar. When they return to their computer, they'll be clicking at nothing in frustration.

Blue Screen of Death Scare

Get someone's heart racing by changing their screensaver to the infamous Windows' Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). When they come back, they'll think their computer is gone for good... until they try moving their mouse.

Display Rotation Shenanigans

Rotating someone's display is a quick and easy prank. On Windows, press to flip the screen to any orientation you choose, upside down included. This works best on single screens or laptops. On Macs, go to to pick a new display orientation.

Switched Out Dongles Chaos

If your office uses wireless mice and keyboards with USB dongles, moving the receivers around can cause a little mayhem. Watch as coworkers around you wonder why their mouse is moving on its own or how someone else's emails are composing themselves on their computers.

Inverted Colors Trickery

Inverting the colors is another quick prank. This enables an accessibility feature that shows white or yellow text on a black background in programs and on the desktop. On Windows, use to activate it. On Mac, go to .

"Broken" Monitor Freakout

A quick change of wallpaper can send shivers down spines. Choose a wallpaper that looks like the screen is cracked or on the fritz and watch the minor freak-out ensue.

Perpetually Busy Mouse Pointer

When you see an icon next to your mouse, you assume something's going on in the background. What if it never stopped? What if a reboot didn't get rid of it? Make the mouse pointer look perpetually busy. In Windows, go to , to see your options, and we recommend "busy" or "working in background".

Play it Safe

Playing pranks on coworkers' PCs can help lighten the office mood, but it's essential to ensure they are safe and ethical. Here are some ideas for pranks that are safe, fun, and respectful:

Safe and Ethical PC Pranks

Humorous Wallpaper: Switch their wallpaper to something amusing or unexpected.
Mouse Pointer Swap: Change their mouse pointer to a funny icon or animation.
Screen Orientation Flip: Flip their screen's display orientation.
Fake Error Messages: Create humorous fake error messages.
Custom Shortcuts: Create custom shortcuts that produce humorous messages when pressed.
Desktop Icon Jiggle: Make their desktop icons jiggle or move around.
Temporary Keyboard Swap: Rearrange keyboard keys temporarily.

Best Practices

Respect Boundaries: Ensure the prank doesn't disrupt critical work or cause frustration.
Reversibility: All pranks should be easily reversible to avoid any long-term impact.
Avoid Sensitive Topics: Choose pranks that are friendly and avoid sensitive or offensive content.
Consider the Audience: Tailor pranks to the individual's sense of humor and ensure they are not mean-spirited.

By following these guidelines, you can create a lighthearted and enjoyable office environment without causing any harm or discomfort.

To add a touch of humor to a colleague's workday, consider switching their laptop's wallpaper to an amusing or unexpected image.
For a fun twist, change their mouse pointer to an icon or animation that brings a smile to their face.
Flipping the orientation of someone's laptop display can create a quick and easy prank, providing they use a single screen or laptop.
Creating humorous fake error messages as screensavers can scare their coworkers momentarily but be easily dismissed with a simple mouse movement.
Custom shortcuts that produce humorous messages when pressed can bring a smile to someone's face when they least expect it.
Making desktop icons jiggle or move around unexpectedly can bring a playful element to someone's workspace.
Temporarily rearranging keyboard keys can offer a moment of surprise and amusement.

Remember to respect boundaries and ensure the prank doesn't cause frustration or disrupt critical work. All pranks should be easily reversible to avoid any long-term impact. Avoid sensitive or offensive content, and tailor pranks to the individual's sense of humor. This will create a lighthearted and enjoyable office environment without causing harm or discomfort.

seven humorous computer tricks to amuse your pals