ScreenToolsScreen.tools

Ubuntu Update

Plum background. Terminal dots.

Press F for fullscreen

ubuntu@host:~$

apt upgrade installed packages...

7%

Click anywhere to nudge progress · ESC to exit

About Ubuntu Update

The Ubuntu update screen with the plum-colored background, terminal-style dot animation, and the familiar 'Installing updates' messaging. For pranking the Linux crowd.

Fake Ubuntu Linux Update

The Ubuntu update screen features the signature plum (aubergine) background, terminal-style progress dots, and the 'Installing updates' message familiar to every Ubuntu user. The design matches the GNOME-based Ubuntu installer aesthetic. Linux users are a small but vocal demographic — pranking one with this screen reliably generates strong reactions.

Pranking Developers and Linux Users

Software developers, sysadmins, and Linux enthusiasts are the ideal targets. Open the fake Ubuntu update fullscreen on their workstation and watch them evaluate whether to wait it out or force-reboot. The terminal-style animation is convincing enough that experienced users will double-take before realizing it is a web page. DevOps teams use it for lighthearted April Fools content in engineering channels.

Pro Tip: Pair with Terminal Pranks

Combine the fake Ubuntu update with the hacker typer prank on a second monitor for a full Linux workstation takeover. The combination of a fake update on one screen and scrolling code on another is the ultimate developer prank.

How to use it

  1. 01

    Go fullscreen

    Press F. The Ubuntu update screen with the orange and purple gradient fills the display.

  2. 02

    Hand off the device

    Give the laptop to your target. The Ubuntu branding is instantly recognizable to Linux users.

  3. 03

    Click to nudge

    Click anywhere to advance the progress bar. The terminal-style output adds authenticity.

  4. 04

    Exit

    Press ESC to return to the browser.

Frequently asked

The shortest path between you and the answer.

Is this tool free?

Yes. Every ScreenTools.co tool is free, with no account, no paywall, and no install.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes. Layouts adapt to phone and tablet screens. Mobile Safari restricts true fullscreen, but the page fills the viewport and you can add the page to your Home Screen for an app-like experience.

Does it work offline?

Once a tool's page has loaded once, the runtime is local. A few tools that fetch fonts or icons need the first hit online; after that, refresh works offline.

Does this collect my data?

No personal data leaves your browser. The site has lightweight, privacy-respecting analytics for aggregate counts (which tool was opened) and nothing else.

Related tools

All fake update screens