Cyberpunk 2077 System Malfunction message: How to remove the in-game error message explained

How to remove the annoying on-screen notification.

Guide by Matthew Reynolds, Associate Editor

10 December 2020

Cyberpunk 2077's System Malfunction message appears regularly on-screen as soon as you begin Act 1.

This is where the game opens up after the lifepath-specific prologue, allowing you to pick and choose your missions for the first time - or, if you prefer, to start roaming Night City, albeit in a lockdown state.

As you explore, you'll be regularly interrupted by the System Malfunction message. While it doesn't stop you controlling V, or completing any activities, it is a nuisance - and one you'll want to remove as soon as possible.

This page explains how to remove the System Malfunction message in Cyberpunk 2077 - which is thankfully easier than you'd think.

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For more help with Cyberpunk 2077, we have pages on Cyberpunk GOG rewards, life paths and attributes.

How to remove the System Malfunction message in Cyberpunk 2077

At the start of Act 1, where you're able to roam Night City more freely following the linear prologue, you will be regularly interrupted by a System Malfunction message towards the top of the screen.

Removing it is thankfully straightforward - you need to start the next main story mission, The Ripperdoc. This takes you to a local implant practitioner, Viktor, to give you a once over, and give you a few upgrades - and remove the message while at it.

Thankfully, this is fairly short, and you'll be there in no time. Go to the mission log and select it from the list. From there, follow the waypoints - heading to the elevator in the apartments, and down to the ground floor - and meet Jackie just outside.

This will take you to The Ripperdoc just a short distance away. Once done, you'll then start another main mission where you'll meet Dexter DeShawn. Most importantly, the message will also be gone.

For more help with Cyberpunk 2077, we have pages on systems such as Cyberpunk 2077 life paths, Cyberpunk 2077 attributes, stealing cars, money making, XP levelling, Street Cred, best Cyberpunk 2077 armour and clothing, best Cyberpunk 2077 weapons, romance options. As for missions, we have a main story quest list, and how to complete early-game objectives such as freeing Brick, whether to pay back Viktor in Paid In Full, the The Information Braindance, how to wait for lockdown, Cyberpsycho Sightings, Tarot Card locations, and Johnny Silverhand items. We also have explainers for Cyberpunk 2077 endings, how long to beat Cyberpunk 2077, whether you can change appearance later in Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk 2077 PC specs, photo mode and Cyberpunk 2077 Trophies and Achievements.

So, though the temptation is to start exploring Night City as soon as you are able, it's well worth completing the first story mission, just to get a couple of useful upgrades and remove that message.

From there, go ahead and do as you please unimpeded. Though, as you'll soon find out, the local area of Watson is in lockdown - and removing that is the next main objective if you want to see everything Night City has to offer.