5 Hilarious Computer Pranks to Impress Your Friends
Looking to have a good laugh with your friends? Look no further! We've got some fantastic computer pranks that are sure to leave your friends in stitches. These pranks are simple, yet effective, and require just a few minutes alone with your friend's laptop. Let's dive right in!
1. Where Are My Icons?
This classic computer prank never fails to amuse. Here's how it works:
- Close all applications on the laptop.
- Take a screenshot of the desktop using the “Print Screen” key.
- Open Paint, paste the screenshot, and save it.
- Set the screenshot as the background wallpaper.
- Right-click on the desktop, go to “View,” and uncheck “Show Desktop Icons.”
Now, watch the expression on your friend's face when they try to click on the icons, which are actually just images!
2. The Damn Shutdown
Warning: This prank is wild, so use it at your own risk. Here's how it works:
- In step one, create a code to shut down the computer. Save it as “Prank.bat.” The code should include the command “Shutdown -r -t 60” to restart the computer every minute.
- In step two, move the “Prank.bat” file to the startup folder. To find the startup folder, go to Start > Programs > Startup. Cut and paste the “Prank.bat” file into the startup folder.
Now, sit back and watch as your friend's laptop restarts automatically every minute!
3. Virus Detected
Imagine your friend's surprise when they click on the Google Chrome icon and a black screen pops up, warning them of a virus detection. Here's how to do it:
- Create a batch file with a command that simulates a virus alert.
- Disguise the batch file as the Google Chrome icon by finding a matching icon image online and saving it as an .ico file.
- Change the icon image of the batch file to the Google Chrome icon.
When your friend clicks on the Google Chrome icon, they'll be greeted with a fake virus alert!
4. Your Computer is Hacked
Create some chaos by making your friend think their computer has been hacked. Here's how:
- Create a notepad file with lines of code that display alarming messages.
- Save the file as “chrome.vbs” and place it on the desktop.
- Disguise the file with a different icon.
When your friend opens the file, they'll be bombarded with messages about viruses and hacked systems!
5. Office Tricks
If you're in an office setting with computers close together, these pranks are perfect:
- Interchange the keyboard/mouse cables of two computers.
- Switch the keyboard and mouse ports for computers with PS/2 cables. This will display an error message when the computer boots.
- Place tape over the bottom sensor of the mouse.
- Swap the mouse buttons so that the right-click becomes the left-click and vice versa.
These pranks are sure to entertain everyone in the office!
These are just a few of our favorite computer pranks. Have you tried any other pranks that weren't mentioned here? Share your stories in the comments below and let the laughter continue!

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”