These tech tips will make you too powerful

April 30, 2025

By Kim Komando

When you’re the tech-savvy friend, it’s basically your job to fix everything that plugs in. Who saves the saviors? Me! Now, depending on your OS, model, updates and general tech karma, your screen might not match mine exactly. Don’t panic, just keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

Secret Windows restart trick

A simple reboot can fix most computer issues. Instead, try a Shift shutdown to close all processes and apps and clear the RAM completely.

• Hold down the Shift key before you hit Restart.
• Keep holding it until your PC powers down. 
• Choose Continue when it turns back on.

♻️ Did you know … Windows is more environmentally friendly than macOS? Windows puts your deleted files in the Recycle Bin; macOS just throws them in the Trash. (Bet you never thought of that before!)

Wipe your location from photos

Your phone is a snitch. Every photo you snap is packed with metadata, the time, camera settings and location (hello, stalkers). Here’s how to turn it off.

• On iPhone, open the image you want to share and tap the share button (square with an arrow pointing up). Next, select Options and toggle off Location.
• On Android, open your Gallery, select the photo, then go to More options (three dots) > Details > Edit > click Remove location information (red minus icon) and tap Save.

Fix your phone’s call audio

Let’s say you’re on the phone with a pal, and your background is so noisy that your friend can’t hear you. Good news if you have an iPhone: There’s Voice Isolation mode.

• Place your call, and when your recipient picks up, swipe down from the top right of your screen to access the Control Center.
• Tap Phone Controls at the top. Under Audio & Video, choose the button labeled Voice Isolation.

On a Samsung phone, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects. Here, you’ll see Adapt sound. You can customize this or choose a preset option. Super easy.

Have a newer Google Pixel? Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear calling. Toggle on Use Clear Calling.

Remote in like an IT pro

I know how frustrating it can be to walk someone through tech steps. Try Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop. Install the free browser extension on both your computer and the computer of someone you’re helping. When it’s time to remote in, go to the Remote Desktop site. Easy!

Opt out of ad tracking

Just say no to personalized advertising on your phone. This is the best tip on this list, don’t you think?

• On iPhone, open Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down and tap Apple Advertising. Toggle left on the switch next to Personalized Ads.
• On Android, tap Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Ads, and toggle the switch for Opt out of Ads Personalization.

🧻 Go ahead and share these tips to make yourself look like a genius. A real one, unlike the guy who invented one-ply toilet paper. I’d never shake his hand.