# TikTok Tech Tips are TERRIBLE Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfak375EbYM Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/kfak375EbYM Generated: 2026-03-09T17:32:58.855+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The TikTok tech tips reviewed by the hosts are overwhelmingly terrible, often involving dangerous practices like modifying system files (utilman.exe replacement) or misleading performance advice (like setting CPU cores to maximum), which resulted in one tip causing a PC to become unbootable and another causing a liquid cooling leak during testing. **Key Points:** - The hosts debunked a TikTok tip that involved replacing "utilman.exe" with "cmd.exe" in System32 to gain administrator access, noting that this is a dangerous method that can lead to system instability and BIOS issues. - A GPU cooling test using a thermoelectric cooling element (TEC) attached to a GPU resulted in a liquid leak when the hosts tried to fill the custom loop, demonstrating a failure in the TikTok creator's setup. - Another tip suggested setting the number of CPU processors in MSConfig to the maximum available cores, which the hosts noted can cause boot looping or instability, especially when switching between P-core and E-core processors. - The hosts reviewed a tip suggesting users check their Wi-Fi password via the Network & Internet settings, which is an existing, non-secret feature, deeming it not malicious but unhelpful. - A performance-boosting tip involved disabling startup items in System Configuration (MSConfig), which the hosts found to be potentially useful for reducing boot time but not a groundbreaking trick. - The final TikTok tip, involving setting a process priority to 'High' in Task Manager, was deemed potentially harmful as it could cause instability by starving critical system processes of resources, leading to a 'double jeopardy' scenario. - The hosts concluded that many of the reviewed TikTok hacks are either dangerous, useless, or simply represent existing, well-known system features, rather than actual performance optimizations. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The text overlay "CITATION NEEDED" appears over the host in a TikTok-style frame, signaling the start of the segment where they will fact-check viral tech tips.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kfak375EbYM/00-00-04.jpg) **Context:** The video features two hosts, Linus Sebastian and Adam Sandergard, critically analyzing and attempting to replicate several 'powerful computer tricks' found on TikTok, primarily focusing on Windows operating system modifications and PC performance hacks. The hosts use an open-air test bench with a liquid-cooled GPU setup for testing some of the claims, while also examining claims related to Windows configuration and system files. The video is framed as a 'Citation Needed' segment, where they test the validity and safety of viral tech advice. ## Detailed Analysis The video immediately dives into debunking various TikTok tech tips. The first tip, which involved accessing hidden menus by manipulating system files (replacing utilman.exe with cmd.exe in System32), was tested and deemed dangerous, as it could potentially cause BIOS issues or system corruption, especially since the creator did not explain the risks. They also pointed out that simply setting the CPU core count to maximum in MSConfig is risky, particularly with modern hybrid architectures like Intel's P/E-cores, as it can lead to boot loops. A demonstration of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) setup for a GPU failed spectacularly when coolant leaked onto the table, illustrating the poor execution of another viral hack. The hosts then examined tips related to checking Wi-Fi passwords (a standard Windows feature) and disabling startup items (a legitimate but basic performance tweak). They criticized another tip for suggesting users set process priority to 'High' for better performance, arguing this can actually cause instability by starving essential services. The hosts concluded that most of the viral tips are either outright dangerous, misleading, or simply explain features already built into Windows, often with no clear explanation of the consequences. ### Debunking System File Hacks - The utilman.exe replacement trick is severely dangerous and can cause system instability or BIOS issues - The hosts recommend against this method. ### Performance Tweaks Review - Setting CPU cores to maximum in MSConfig is risky with modern CPUs (P/E-cores) and can cause boot loops - Disabling startup apps is a legitimate but minor performance gain. ### Hardware Test Failure - An attempt to replicate a custom liquid cooling setup for a GPU resulted in a coolant leak when filling the reservoir, proving the setup's poor execution. ### Windows Feature Misinterpretation - Tips demonstrating how to view Wi-Fi passwords or access advanced system settings via Control Panel were shown to be existing, non-secret Windows features, not hidden hacks. ### Performance Priority Setting - Setting process priority to 'High' via Task Manager is criticized as potentially harmful, as it can starve critical background processes, leading to instability, not guaranteed performance gain. ### Overall Verdict - The TikTok tech tips are largely terrible, often involving dangerous system modifications or recommending basic procedures without explaining the risks or limited benefits. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The text overlay "CITATION NEEDED" appears over the host in a TikTok-style frame, signaling the start of the segment where they will fact-check viral tech tips.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kfak375EbYM/00-00-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:08: The host, dressed as a judge, declares that the entire platform \(TikTok\) is on trial for spreading misinformation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kfak375EbYM/00-00-08.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:54: The host examines a small thermoelectric cooling element \(TEC\) device, which is claimed to cool a CPU using heat from the CPU's hot side to generate voltage for the fan.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kfak375EbYM/00-00-54.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:08: A screen capture shows system monitoring data where the CPU Package Power is 106W, indicating heavy load, while a red note warns that PROCHOT is an emergency throttling method.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kfak375EbYM/00-02-08.jpg)