The funniest IT service desk memes

If you've ever worked in IT support, you've probably experienced a moment so hilariously absurd it felt like it came straight out of an IT service desk meme. And let’s be real – sometimes humor is the only thing keeping us sane while re-explaining the difference between a browser and the internet.

We dug into some of the funniest stories shared by our own TOPdesk IT support team and readers of the TOPdesk blog. Get ready for head-desks, keyboard mishaps, and plenty of PICNIC situations (that’s Problem In Chair, Not In Computer, for the uninitiated).

1. "Can you fax me more paper?"

The copier was out of paper. Naturally, the user called the IT desk and asked:

“Can you fax me more paper?”

Yes. Let us beam you some toner while we’re at it.

2. The "WiFi at home" paradox

User complained they couldn't connect to the company WiFi… while working from home.

We’ve entered Schrödinger’s Internet.

3. Keyboard-chair interface issues

Most issues are caused by the thing between the keyboard and chair.

Also known as:

• ID-10-T Error
• PEBKAC: Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair
• Our personal favorite: PICNIC (Problem In Chair, Not In Computer)

4. Mouse trouble (…you forgot the switch)

User: “My wireless mouse won’t move!”

Turns switch on bottom to ‘on’.

Diagnosis: Power button phobia.

5. The bowline knot ethernet hack

User joined two short ethernet cables together… with a bowline knot.

They thought the physical knot would transmit data.

6. The mouse at 90 degrees

User said their mouse was “uncontrollable.”

Turns out they were using it sideways.

The only thing that was broken? Perspective.

7. Network drive full of totally not suspicious files

User: “I’m out of space on my network drive!”

Operator watches them delete 300 music files and a folder called "DefinitelyWork.zip" while screen sharing.

Helpful hint of the day: If you share your screen with IT, we can see everything.

8. The pop-up lottery

User: “I got a pop-up saying I won an iPhone. Is it real?”

Absolutely! You’ve just unlocked a free virus.

9. Desktop won’t turn on (because… the monitor isn’t on)

User complained their desktop wasn't working after multiple restarts.

Presses the power button on their monitor.

Voila.

10. Password woes (keyboard edition)

User swore up and down that their password was correct.

Turns out, keyboard language was set to Hungarian.

11. Antivirus drama… on Mom’s laptop

User raised a serious security concern. Their antivirus had been deactivated.

…On their mom’s personal laptop. At home.

12. Sound isn't working

User: “I need a new work phone! It won’t make any sound!”

Turns out their crap earbuds had finally given up.

13. Conference room chaos

User: Nothing’s working. Everything’s turned on!”

Plugs in the cable.

User: 😳

Plot twist: “on” doesn’t mean “connected.”

14. Black bars? Call the monitor police

User: There are black bars on the top and bottom of my screen. I think I need a new monitor.”

Turns out they’d changed the resolution to something last used in 1998.

The power of the IT service desk meme

Why are IT service desk memes so relatable? Because they reveal the beautiful chaos behind the scenes of every business. From printer jams to power button mysteries, service desk humor brings us together and keeps us sane – especially when the WiFi isn’t working.

Got a favorite IT service desk meme or funny call?

We want to hear it! Tag us on LinkedIn.