How to Not Get Caught Playing Computer Games

Co-authored by Eric McClure

Last Updated: February 27, 2023 References

Whether you’re trying to spend time at work or sneak in one last match before bed, you may need to get a little creative to sneak in some time with your computer games. There are a couple of simple measures you can take to avoid getting caught while playing. You’ll want to optimize the settings in your game to avoid unwanted detection, and prepare a decoy screen in case you get an unwanted visitor. You can also rearrange your room or office to prevent people from being able to easily see what you’re doing. More often than not, you’ll want to take multiple precautions in order to consistently get away with playing computer games.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Settings on Your Computer

1
Turn the sound off on your computer speakers. While a computer game’s sound is often an important part of the playing experience, you’ll want to turn the sound off completely if you want to avoid getting caught playing a game. The sounds of your game will tip off anyone in earshot, and you won’t be able to hear anyone approaching from other parts of the house or office.
- While it’s a little riskier, you can always choose to play with headphones on and just leave one of the earbuds or headphones in.
- Try to avoid playing games that require sound if you’re trying to play a game undetected.
2
Switch your game from fullscreen to windowed mode. A game in fullscreen mode will take up the entire monitor. Windowed mode will make your game show up on a portion of your screen, and you’ll see the border around the game with the three buttons at the top of the window. You want quick access to those buttons, since they allow you to minimize and exit the game immediately.^{[1]
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- Borderless is not the same as windowed mode. Borderless means that you can move your mouse off of the game when it’s in fullscreen mode and on to a second monitor if you have one.^{[2]
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3
Open a page or screen that you want people to see if they interrupt your game. A screen with homework, email, or a spreadsheet open are all good options depending on whether you’re at work, school, or somewhere else. Open a decoy page that you’d be comfortable with people seeing and then open your game and begin playing.^{[3]
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Tip: Switch between different decoy screens if you have someone checking on you regularly to avoid suspicion.
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Switch between screens quickly if someone walks in while you're playing. If you're using a Windows computer, press the alt and tab buttons at the same time. Then, with your finger still on alt, press the tab button again to switch to the next window.^{[4]
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Research source} If you're using a Mac computer, press the command button and W key at the same time to open all the tabs on your computer. Choose your decoy tab to quickly switch screens.^{[5]
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5
Delete your browser history and recent downloads when you're done playing. That way, your parents or boss won't come across the games you've been playing if they use your computer. You can clear browsing data and your download history in the settings or history tabs in most browsers.
- If your parent or boss is particularly tech-savvy, you’ll want to clear your cookies too. This is usually an option in your browser’s history tab as well.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Playing Smart

1
Play your games when others aren’t around. It sounds simple, but playing when nobody is around is a simple way to avoid getting caught. You can’t be accused of not getting your work done or staying off of the computer if there’s nobody around to see you!
2
Use your laptop in bed so you can act like you’re asleep if someone comes in. If you have your games on a laptop, play them in bed so that you can quickly close your computer and roll over to play like you’re asleep. You can always slide your bed sheet over the top of your screen as well so that your computer is fully hidden under your bed when you close it.
- If it's late at night, play your computer games on your laptop under the covers so you're even more hidden if someone comes in.
3
Play your games at night time to avoid others. If everyone else in the house is asleep, you’ll have a much easier time sneaking in some gaming. Other people in the house will be unlikely to walk into your room late at night, and you’ll have an easier time hearing people moving around since your home will be quiet. Just make sure that you still get enough sleep!
4
Avoid games that can’t be paused. If you’re hoping to sneak in some time playing Fortnite or League of Legends, be aware that these games can’t be paused. If you have to switch screens or close the game quickly, you’ll be unable to protect yourself in the game. Try to stick to single-player games that have pause menus like Minecraft or others.^{[6]
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Tip: Many online games have an offline mode, which allows you to practice the game. Use this is if you don’t want to risk losing a match by having to minimize it mid-game.
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Choose games that don’t require your undivided attention. If you are one of those hardcore gamers that gets totally focused whenever you play an intense game, try playing something simpler and calmer. It is essential that you keep an eye and ear out for anyone that may be making their way towards your room if you want to avoid detection.
- Puzzle and base-building games tend to be good choices. They don’t have intense timers and can easily be ignored for a few minutes if you’re interrupted.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Precautions in Your Room

1
Lock your door to avoid unwanted interruptions. If your door is locked, you won’t be caught in the act while playing your game. You’ll have a second to switch screens before you have to get up and unlock the door. Be careful though, this will raise suspicions if you aren’t supposed to lock your door during work or homework time.

Tip: If your door doesn’t have a lock, you can put a chair underneath the handle at a 45-degree angle to brace it in place. Be prepared to explain yourself though if someone tries to enter your room or office.
2
Arrange your room so that your screen isn’t facing the door. If someone walks into the room and can see your screen over your shoulder, you won’t have any time to minimize your game or switch windows. Position your desk in a way where you’re facing the door so that you buy enough time to change screens if someone wants to see what you’re doing.^{[7]
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- Set the brightness to low on your computer game if your desk is facing the door so that bright lights and colors don’t reflect all over the walls or windows behind you.
3
Close doors in other parts of the house if you’re playing at home. Even if they don’t lock, close the doors in your house so that you can hear when someone turns the knob to open them. This will let you know when an unwanted visitor may be heading your way and give you plenty of time to switch to a different screen.
4
Buy a screen guard to hide what’s on your screen. A screen guard is a thin sheet of plastic that creates a glare for anyone that looks at your screen at an angle. This will prevent people from seeing what’s on your screen unless they’re looking directly at it from your chair. Buy a screen guard that fits your specific screen size, and slide it over the top of your monitor to set it in place.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

Question

My dad has a program that lets him watch my computer screen, AND he blocked Task Viewer. What should I do?

Community Answer

Surrender to the fact that until you are an adult, you will have to submit to some degree to your parents' authority. If your dad has put these measures in place, it's because he's looking out for your best interest. Find something you can do online that won't violate his computer games policy, whatever that may be.
Question

How do you not get caught playing games online when at school?

Oliver Tubert-Barrios (SquareFoil31362)

Community Answer

Don't play online games at school. If you don't play, you don't get caught.