Eliana Willis

Kerry Wan/ZDNETUsually, whenever a new feature comes out for Windows, Microsoft advertises it widely in a blog post to let everyone know. Or if they don’t, people discover the feature soon after an update. However, a helpful feature sometimes slips through the cracks, only to be unearthed years later.Also: Windows 10’s final update is a big one – with a record 173 bug fixesThat was my reaction when I found this obscure Emergency Restart method for Windows 11 after stumbling across a post on the Sysadmin subreddit. Reddit user ‘-Steets-‘ shared the information in 2022, although other commenters claim the method was present on Windows XP, which came out over 20 years ago.To access Emergency Restart, press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys on your Windows PC — a pretty normal action. However, this time, hold down the CTRL key and click the power button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWant to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysIf you need a security boost on Android, add this hidden feature.Sensors Off makes it easy to shut off the camera, mic, and GPS.This feature is available for all modern Android phones.When using your Android phone, have you ever had a moment when you thought, “I could seriously use some more privacy and security?” I have. Often. You might think a VPN is enough for better security, but what if I told you that the sensors on your phone could lead to security issues? Would you still think that VPN is sufficient? Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025Your phone sensors include the camera, microphone, and GPS, each of which can be used against you. Granted, it would require the installation of malicious software to do so, but it is possible. At the same time, when visiting websites on your phone, if those sites have permission to use any of those sensors, your privacy and security could be at stake.That’s why I’ve enabled this hidden feature on my Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is a Quick Settings tile that you can add, which, with a single tap, disables all three sensors. Prior to doing anything that needs heightened security, tap that tile and you’re good to go. When you’re done, tap the tile again, and the sensors are back on.Enable developer optionsThe first step is to enable developer options on your phone. Don’t worry, the feature is built in; it’s just hidden from view.  More

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