Unleash your inner IT overlord

November 1, 2025

By Kim Komando

I read every comment you leave at the end of this newsletter, and one theme always stands out: You want to know all the hidden things your tech can do! 

Lucky for you, uncovering those “I had no idea!” moments is my superpower. 

🪟 Secret Windows restart trick

Frequent shutdowns can fix most computer issues, but you can try a Shift shutdown to close all processes and apps and clear the RAM completely.

• Hold down Shift before you restart.
• In the menu, click the Power button > Restart while holding the Shift key and wait for your PC to power 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, while macOS throws them in the Trash. (Bet you never thought of that before!)

🧭 Wipe your location from photos

Your phone stores metadata every time you take a picture, including the date you snapped the photo, your camera settings and where you were located when the picture was taken.  Before you share a photo, send that data to the intergalactic bit bucket.

• 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 and All Photos Data.
• On Android, open Google Photos, select the photo, tap More (the three-dot menu), then go to Edit and click Remove location.

☎️ 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.
• At the top of your screen, you should see an orange microphone icon next to the word Phone. Tap that, and you’ll see a separate screen with an Audio & Video option. Scroll to and tap Voice Isolation.

On a Samsung, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects. 

Here, you’ll see Adapt sound. 

Have a Google Pixel? Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear calling.

🧑‍💻 Remote in for free

I know how frustrating it can be to walk someone remotely 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

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, then toggle off Personalized Ads.
• On Android, tap Settings > Google > Ads, and toggle off Opt out of Ads Personalization.

Go ahead and share these tips to make yourself look like a genius.