CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 6 Q76-90
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Question 76
A user reports that their Windows 10 laptop battery drains unusually fast, even when minimal applications are running, and the system becomes warm during light usage. Which is the most likely cause of the issue?
A) Background processes consuming CPU
B) Faulty display driver
C) Fragmented hard drive
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal
Answer: A) Background processes consuming CPU
Explanation:
Answer: A) Background processes consuming CPU is correct because in modern Windows systems, many applications and system services run in the background even when the user is not actively interacting with them, and these processes can significantly impact battery life and generate additional heat on the CPU and overall system. Even though the user sees minimal active applications, Windows 10 manages numerous tasks such as indexing, scheduled maintenance, telemetry services, cloud synchronization, antivirus scanning, and automatic updates, all of which can consume CPU cycles intermittently or continuously depending on configuration and system state. High CPU usage from background tasks leads to increased power draw from the battery because the processor ramps up its clock speed to handle the workload and often prevents the system from entering low-power states. Similarly, when the CPU works harder, it generates more heat, which may explain why the laptop becomes warm even during light user activity. A detailed inspection using Task Manager or Resource Monitor would typically reveal that one or more processes are consuming disproportionate CPU, RAM, or disk I/O resources, and the technician could identify whether these processes are necessary, misconfigured, or potentially indicative of malware. Optimizing power settings in Windows 10, disabling unnecessary startup applications, managing background services, and ensuring the system is free of unwanted or rogue applications can help reduce CPU utilization and improve battery life. Additionally, Windows 10 includes a Battery Usage tool within Settings that allows users and technicians to see which applications are consuming the most power over a 24-hour or 7-day period, making it easier to identify culprits that are draining the battery without visible activity. This approach is especially effective for portable devices like laptops, where battery longevity is crucial for productivity. By reducing the CPU demand from background processes, not only is battery life improved, but heat generation is minimized, system performance is optimized, and user experience becomes more consistent. On the other hand, faulty display drivers can cause visual artifacts, crashes, or instability, but they are unlikely to independently result in sustained CPU activity leading to rapid battery drain unless the system is attempting to repeatedly process failed graphics operations. Fragmented hard drives, while they can affect disk access speed on mechanical HDDs, do not impact CPU usage significantly in modern systems equipped with SSDs, and they would not cause excessive heat or battery drain under minimal application load. Weak Wi-Fi signals may lead to slower network communication, causing some applications to wait longer for data transfer, but they do not typically drive continuous CPU consumption or generate heat directly; even with poor connectivity, the power draw from a wireless adapter is minimal compared to the impact of sustained processor utilization. Therefore, the most direct and plausible explanation for the combination of rapid battery depletion, elevated temperature, and minimal visible application activity is that background processes are consuming CPU resources unnecessarily or excessively. Addressing this issue requires identifying which processes are responsible, evaluating whether they are necessary, and adjusting system configuration or removing offending software to restore proper power management and reduce thermal output, ultimately enhancing overall device efficiency and prolonging battery life.
Question 77
A Windows 10 user reports that their computer frequently freezes during startup and sometimes displays a blue screen error. They mention that the system has recently been upgraded with a new graphics card. Which is the most likely cause of the problem?
A) Incompatible graphics driver
B) Low disk space
C) Slow internet connection
D) Fragmented hard drive
Answer: A) Incompatible graphics driver
Explanation:
Answer: A) Incompatible graphics driver is correct because when a user installs new hardware, such as a graphics card, the operating system relies on a specific driver to communicate with the hardware properly, and if the driver is outdated, corrupt, or incompatible with the installed version of Windows 10, it can cause serious system instability including freezes, slow startup, and blue screen errors, commonly referred to as stop errors or BSODs. Graphics drivers handle not only the rendering of visual content but also interactions with the Windows graphical subsystem, kernel-level processes, and other system components, which means that even a minor mismatch between the driver and the operating system can result in conflicts that prevent the system from completing normal startup procedures or maintaining stability during operation. When the system freezes during startup, it often indicates that a driver is attempting to initialize hardware but encounters errors or hangs because of incompatibility or corrupted files. Blue screen errors provide diagnostic information, often including the faulting driver or error code, which typically points to a hardware driver, such as the display driver, being responsible. Resolving this issue requires uninstalling the problematic driver and either rolling back to a previously stable version or downloading the correct driver directly from the graphics card manufacturer, ensuring compatibility with the specific Windows 10 build and system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Other corrective actions may include booting into Safe Mode, which loads minimal drivers, allowing the technician to remove or replace the offending driver without interference from other system processes. Safe Mode also allows running diagnostic tools to check for additional issues, such as file corruption or conflicts with other software. In some cases, driver conflicts can be compounded if the operating system attempts to use generic display drivers, which are insufficient for modern graphics cards and may lead to unpredictable behavior. Low disk space, while it can affect performance and cause some applications to malfunction, is unlikely to trigger consistent blue screen errors or prevent the system from completing startup unless the OS drive is full, which is not indicated here. A slow internet connection is unrelated to hardware initialization and driver conflicts, and therefore would not cause the symptoms described. Fragmented hard drives may affect read/write performance, particularly on HDDs, but they do not create system-level freezes or kernel-level crashes during hardware initialization. Since the problem began immediately after installing the new graphics card, and the symptoms involve freezing during startup and blue screen errors, an incompatible or corrupted graphics driver is by far the most plausible cause, and addressing the driver issue is the correct first step in troubleshooting. Technicians often use tools like Device Manager, manufacturer driver installers, or dedicated cleanup utilities to ensure all remnants of the old driver are removed before applying the correct version, which helps restore system stability, reduces startup freezes, and prevents recurring blue screen errors caused by driver conflicts.
Question 78
A Windows 10 user reports that their system frequently becomes unresponsive when running multiple applications, and they notice that performance degrades significantly over time. Task Manager shows high memory usage even after closing programs, and the computer has sufficient physical RAM installed. Which is the most likely cause?
A) Memory leak in an application
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Faulty GPU
D) Outdated antivirus software
Answer: A) Memory leak in an application
Explanation:
Answer: A) Memory leak in an application is correct because memory leaks occur when a program allocates system memory for use but fails to release it properly after the task is completed, leading to progressively increasing RAM consumption that reduces available memory for other processes, and over time this can result in system slowdowns, unresponsiveness, or freezing despite adequate physical RAM being installed, as the operating system relies on both available physical memory and virtual memory for smooth operation. In this scenario, Task Manager showing high memory usage even after programs are closed indicates that one or more applications are not correctly releasing memory back to the operating system, which is a classic symptom of a memory leak. Memory leaks can be caused by poorly written software, updates that introduce bugs, or compatibility issues with the operating system. They can also occur in background processes that continue to consume memory over time. As RAM becomes progressively consumed, Windows relies increasingly on virtual memory, swapping data to disk, which significantly slows performance, particularly on systems using mechanical HDDs. Resolving memory leaks typically involves identifying the offending application through monitoring tools such as Resource Monitor or Performance Monitor, checking for available software patches or updates that address the bug, and, in some cases, uninstalling or replacing the problematic program with a more stable version. Other actions include checking for malware, which can masquerade as legitimate processes and consume system memory continuously. Fragmented hard drives primarily affect disk read/write performance and would not directly cause memory to remain allocated after closing programs. A faulty GPU could lead to graphical issues or crashes, but would not produce the sustained high memory usage observed here unless the problem is limited to video memory, which Task Manager would indicate separately. Outdated antivirus software may affect performance during scanning, but it would not cause persistent memory allocation that continues after applications are closed. Therefore, a memory leak in an application is the most plausible explanation for prolonged high memory usage, degraded performance over time, and unresponsiveness on a system that otherwise meets hardware requirements, and addressing the application causing the leak restores stability and ensures efficient memory usage.
Question 79
A technician is configuring a Windows 10 workstation for a small office environment. The user wants to prevent the installation of unauthorized software, ensure that only approved USB devices can be used, and enforce security policies consistently across all machines. Which solution should be implemented?
A) Group Policy
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) System Restore
Answer: A) Group Policy
Explanation:
Answer: A) Group Policy is correct because it provides a centralized framework in Windows environments for configuring and enforcing security, application, and hardware usage policies across multiple machines in a domain or network, allowing administrators to control access to features such as software installation, USB device usage, password policies, and system behavior without requiring manual configuration on each device, and it is especially effective in small to medium office environments where multiple computers must maintain consistent security standards. Through Group Policy, administrators can restrict users from installing unauthorized programs, whitelist approved USB storage devices, enforce encryption requirements such as BitLocker, control network settings, and deploy updates or configurations consistently, ensuring compliance with organizational policies. The application of Group Policy settings is automatic and persistent, meaning that users cannot easily override them, which is crucial for maintaining security and preventing inadvertent or malicious system changes. Disk Cleanup is unrelated to enforcing security or restricting user actions; it only removes temporary files to free storage space. Task Scheduler automates tasks and scripts, but cannot control user permissions or enforce security policies across multiple machines. System Restore provides a way to revert system settings to a previous state, but does not prevent unauthorized software installation or enforce hardware restrictions proactively. Group Policy stands out because it offers the granularity, centralized management, and security enforcement needed to meet the requirements of controlling software installation, USB usage, and consistent security policies across all workstations in the office, making it the correct solution for this scenario.
Question 80
A user reports that their Windows 10 PC is running unusually slow, applications take a long time to launch, and occasional errors indicate missing system files. The system has not been updated recently. Which is the best first step for troubleshooting this issue?
A) Run System File Checker (SFC)
B) Clear temporary files using Disk Cleanup
C) Defragment the hard drive
D) Update the display driver
Answer: A) Run System File Checker (SFC)
Explanation:
Answer: A) Running System File Checker (SFC) is correct because it is a built-in Windows utility designed to scan the integrity of all protected system files, detect corruption, and repair or replace missing or damaged files using a cached copy stored in the Windows component store, which directly addresses issues related to application errors caused by missing system files and overall system sluggishness, especially when the system has not been updated recently and may have accumulated file inconsistencies. SFC can identify missing DLLs, corrupt configuration files, or altered system binaries that prevent applications from launching correctly or cause errors during execution, and it provides detailed logs indicating which files were replaced or could not be repaired, allowing the technician to take further corrective action if needed. This step is often prioritized before more invasive procedures because it targets the root cause of stability and performance issues without altering user data or installed applications, and it can resolve many problems caused by software installation failures, malware, or improper shutdowns. Clearing temporary files using Disk Cleanup improves disk space and may slightly improve performance but does not repair missing system files or correct application errors. Defragmenting the hard drive can optimize read/write performance on HDDs but has no effect on corrupted or missing system files. Updating the display driver may resolve graphical issues but will not address general system sluggishness or missing critical files causing errors in non-graphical applications. Therefore, running System File Checker is the most direct and appropriate first step for diagnosing and repairing the underlying file integrity issues responsible for slow performance, application errors, and instability on a Windows 10 PC.
Question 81
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation takes a very long time to boot, and after logging in, applications also load slowly. The system has a traditional hard drive (HDD) installed and has never been defragmented. Which is the most likely cause of the slow performance?
A) Fragmented hard drive
B) Outdated antivirus software
C) Faulty RAM
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal
Answer: A) Fragmented hard drive
Explanation:
Answer: A) A fragmented hard drive is correct because traditional mechanical hard drives store files in contiguous blocks when first written, but over time, as files are created, deleted, and modified, the data can become scattered across different areas of the disk, causing the drive to work harder to read and assemble fragmented files during system boot and application launch, resulting in prolonged startup times and slow program loading. When a file is fragmented, the read/write head of the HDD must move across multiple locations to retrieve all portions of the file, significantly increasing access times compared to reading a contiguous file stored sequentially on the disk. This issue is compounded during boot because essential system files and configuration data required for Windows startup are frequently accessed in sequence, and fragmentation can prevent the disk from delivering these files efficiently, which leads to slow logins and delayed availability of desktop applications. Defragmenting the hard drive reorganizes these files so that they occupy contiguous sectors, reducing seek time and improving overall system responsiveness. Fragmentation is typically not an issue on solid-state drives (SSDs) because they have no mechanical read/write head, and access time is almost uniform across all memory cells; however, on HDDs, fragmentation remains a major contributor to slow performance if regular maintenance has not been performed. Outdated antivirus software may affect system performance during active scanning but does not cause system-wide slow boot and delayed application loading consistently over time. Faulty RAM generally produces instability, crashes, or application errors rather than prolonged boot times, and weak Wi-Fi signal affects network-dependent tasks but has no impact on local application launches or system startup. Therefore, the fragmented hard drive is the most plausible explanation for a Windows 10 workstation with an HDD experiencing slow boot and sluggish application performance, and resolving the fragmentation through disk defragmentation or regular maintenance can restore system responsiveness.
Question 82
A user complains that their Windows 10 computer randomly disconnects from the network, while other devices on the same network remain connected. The technician suspects a driver-related issue. Which action should be performed first to troubleshoot this problem?
A) Update the network adapter driver
B) Replace the router
C) Run Disk Cleanup
D) Disable Windows Firewall
Answer: A) Update the network adapter driver
Explanation:
Answer: A) Updating the network adapter driver is correct because device drivers serve as the interface between hardware components and the operating system, and an outdated, corrupted, or incompatible network adapter driver can cause intermittent connectivity issues, including random disconnections, while other devices remain unaffected. Network adapters require drivers that are fully compatible with the version of Windows installed to ensure stable and reliable communication with wireless access points or wired networks. When a driver is outdated or improperly installed, it can fail to handle connection handshakes, power management protocols, or communication standards correctly, leading to frequent drops in connectivity even when hardware is functioning correctly and the router is stable. Updating the driver ensures that the adapter has the latest bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and performance optimizations from the manufacturer. Other troubleshooting steps, such as replacing the router, are unnecessary in this scenario because other devices on the same network are functioning normally, indicating that the issue is localized to the user’s computer. Running Disk Cleanup addresses storage and temporary file issues but does not influence network connectivity or driver behavior. Disabling Windows Firewall controls inbound and outbound network traffic but does not prevent the adapter from maintaining a stable physical connection to the network. By updating the network adapter driver first, the technician addresses the most common and direct cause of intermittent disconnections, potentially restoring consistent connectivity without unnecessary hardware replacements or system changes.
Question 83
A technician is tasked with ensuring that a Windows 10 laptop can recover from accidental file deletion and maintain historical versions of important documents. Which feature should the technician enable to meet this requirement?
A) File History
B) System Restore
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) File History
Explanation:
Answer: A) File History is correct because it is a built-in Windows feature designed specifically to provide continuous backup of user files stored in key directories such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop, while maintaining historical versions of these files, allowing users to recover deleted files or restore previous versions in the event of accidental changes or data loss. File History works by periodically copying files from designated folders to an external drive, network location, or secondary internal drive, preserving multiple versions over time, which ensures that users can revert to a specific state of a document at any given point. This functionality is critical for protecting against human error, software misbehavior, or unintentional modifications, giving users and administrators peace of mind that important documents are safely backed up and recoverable. System Restore, while useful for restoring system settings and installed programs to a previous state, does not protect individual user files and cannot maintain version history of documents. Disk Cleanup helps free disk space by removing temporary files, caches, and other unnecessary data, but it does not provide recovery of deleted or modified files. Event Viewer logs system and application events for diagnostic purposes but offers no backup or versioning functionality. File History uniquely addresses the requirement of enabling file recovery and maintaining historical versions, making it the appropriate solution for safeguarding user data in a Windows 10 environment.
Question 84
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation occasionally freezes during normal usage, and Event Viewer shows multiple application errors pointing to a recently installed program. What is the best course of action to determine whether the software is causing the instability?
A) Use Reliability Monitor
B) Run Disk Cleanup
C) Update the display driver
D) Disable Windows Firewall
Answer: A) Use Reliability Monitor
Explanation:
Answer: A) Reliability Monitor is correct because it provides a chronological view of system stability and records application and hardware failures, Windows errors, and other critical events, allowing a technician to determine whether a recently installed program is the source of repeated crashes or freezes, and offering a stability index to visualize the overall reliability of the system over time. Reliability Monitor correlates the timing of application errors with user actions or software installations, making it easier to identify patterns and pinpoint the offending software. The tool also provides links to detailed technical reports, including faulting application names, modules, and exception codes, which help a technician assess whether the issue stems from the application itself, a dependency, or an underlying system problem. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files and frees storage but does not provide insights into application failures or system instability. Updating the display driver may resolve graphical issues but is unlikely to address software-specific crashes unless the problem is directly related to graphics operations. Disabling Windows Firewall impacts network security but does not diagnose application errors or freezes. Reliability Monitor is therefore the most effective tool for determining the cause of intermittent instability linked to a specific program, enabling the technician to take corrective actions such as uninstalling, updating, or patching the problematic software to restore system reliability.
Question 85
A company wants to ensure that all laptops assigned to employees can be located if lost or stolen, can be remotely locked, and can have sensitive data wiped if necessary. Which solution provides these capabilities for Windows 10 devices?
A) Mobile Device Management (MDM)
B) Disk Defragmentation
C) Local Group Policy
D) Task Scheduler
Answer: A) Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Explanation:
Answer: A) Mobile Device Management (MDM) is correct because it is a comprehensive administrative framework that allows organizations to manage, secure, and track portable devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones remotely, providing features such as GPS-based device tracking, remote lock, selective or full data wipe, enforcement of security policies, deployment of updates, and control over device configurations, which collectively enable IT administrators to respond effectively to lost or stolen devices while maintaining corporate data security. MDM solutions integrate with Windows 10 to ensure that devices remain compliant with organizational policies, including enforcing encryption, managing user access, and remotely executing commands like lock or wipe in case of theft or loss, thereby protecting sensitive business information. Disk Defragmentation optimizes storage performance on HDDs but provides no security, tracking, or remote management capabilities. Local Group Policy can enforce security and operational settings on a local device but does not offer GPS tracking or remote wiping for laptops in the field. Task Scheduler automates tasks and scripts locally but does not provide centralized control, tracking, or remote security management. MDM is therefore the only solution listed that provides a holistic approach to device management, data protection, and incident response for mobile endpoints in an enterprise environment, making it the appropriate choice for ensuring that company laptops can be located, secured, and wiped remotely if necessary.
Question 86
A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is running slowly and frequently freezes, especially when opening multiple browser tabs. Task Manager shows high CPU and memory usage, but the system has adequate hardware specifications. Which is the most likely cause?
A) Browser extensions or background tabs consuming resources
B) Outdated graphics driver
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Corrupted system registry
Answer: A) Browser extensions or background tabs consuming resources
Explanation:
Answer: A) Browser extensions or background tabs consuming resources is correct because modern web browsers allow multiple extensions, add-ons, and background tabs to run simultaneously, and each of these can consume significant CPU cycles and memory, especially if poorly optimized or if multiple resource-intensive web pages are open, leading to system slowdowns and occasional freezes even on computers with sufficient hardware specifications. Extensions may perform continuous tasks in the background such as content monitoring, analytics, or ad injection, while open tabs with multimedia content or complex scripts can further tax the processor and memory, reducing available resources for other applications and slowing overall system responsiveness. Task Manager’s high CPU and memory usage confirms that active processes are consuming resources rather than hardware limitations being the cause. Resolving the issue typically involves auditing browser extensions, disabling or removing unnecessary or poorly performing add-ons, limiting the number of simultaneous open tabs, and updating the browser to the latest version for improved performance optimizations. Outdated graphics drivers may cause visual glitches or application-specific slowdowns but would not generally affect browser performance across multiple tabs unless the content is heavily graphics-dependent, such as video playback or WebGL content. Weak Wi-Fi signals can affect page loading speeds but do not directly cause CPU and memory usage spikes locally, nor do they lead to system freezes unrelated to network activity. A corrupted system registry can cause broad system instability, errors, or application failures, but the symptoms described—high CPU and memory usage specifically associated with browser activity—are much more indicative of resource-heavy browser extensions or multiple demanding tabs rather than registry corruption. Therefore, auditing and optimizing browser activity is the most direct and effective method to resolve these performance issues.
Question 87
A technician is tasked with setting up a Windows 10 computer for a user who must frequently run legacy applications that are not compatible with the current OS. Which feature should the technician use to ensure these programs run properly?
A) Compatibility Mode
B) Device Manager
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Windows Update
Answer: A) Compatibility Mode
Explanation:
Answer: A) Compatibility Mode is correct because it allows Windows 10 to emulate the behavior of previous versions of the operating system, enabling legacy applications designed for older Windows environments to function correctly on modern systems by adjusting settings such as operating system version emulation, display scaling, color depth, and user permissions, which ensures that programs that might otherwise fail to launch or operate correctly are able to run reliably without requiring changes to the code or environment of the legacy software. The feature can be accessed through program properties and allows for permanent adjustments or temporary trial settings to confirm compatibility, often including administrative privilege elevation if the application was designed to operate under older permission models. Device Manager is primarily for managing hardware and driver configurations, which is unrelated to application compatibility. Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary files to free up disk space but does not affect application behavior or compatibility. Windows Update delivers system patches and security updates but does not retroactively modify the operating system environment to make legacy programs compatible. Compatibility Mode, therefore, provides the most direct and effective solution for running legacy applications on Windows 10 by creating an emulated environment that preserves the functionality of older software while maintaining system stability and security.
Question 88
A user reports that their laptop battery drains very quickly, even when the device is idle, and the system becomes unusually hot. Task Manager shows high CPU usage by background processes. Which action is most likely to resolve the issue?
A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Upgrade the hard drive to an SSD
D) Reinstall the display driver
Answer: A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
Explanation:
Answer: A) Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is correct because many applications and Windows services run silently in the background, performing tasks such as updates, indexing, synchronization, or telemetry reporting, and these processes can consume substantial CPU resources even when the system appears idle, resulting in rapid battery depletion and increased heat output, particularly on laptops, where power consumption and thermal management are critical. By reviewing Task Manager or Resource Monitor, a technician can determine which processes are consuming excessive CPU and memory, allowing the user to terminate or disable nonessential tasks, schedule updates during periods of inactivity, or configure Windows power management settings to reduce background activity, which directly improves battery life and reduces system temperature. Simply replacing the battery may temporarily alleviate the problem but does not address the underlying cause, which is excessive CPU usage by software. Upgrading to an SSD improves storage performance but has minimal impact on CPU-intensive background processes, and the heat and battery drain would persist. Reinstalling the display driver would only affect graphical performance and would not reduce background CPU load. Addressing unnecessary background processes targets the root cause of high CPU usage, restores energy efficiency, and improves thermal performance, making it the most effective resolution in this scenario.
Question 89
A technician is asked to configure a Windows 10 workstation to ensure that only approved applications can run and that users cannot install unauthorized software. Which Windows feature provides this functionality?
A) AppLocker
B) Windows Defender Firewall
C) Disk Management
D) File History
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is a Windows security feature that provides administrators with the ability to control which applications and files are allowed to run on a system. This functionality is critical for maintaining software compliance, preventing unauthorized application installation, and reducing the risk of malware infections, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users share systems or where strict software policies must be enforced. AppLocker achieves this by allowing the creation of rules that govern the execution of executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, and packaged apps. These rules can be finely tuned based on attributes such as the file’s digital publisher, the file path, or a unique file hash, which ensures that only trusted software can execute while unapproved or potentially harmful applications are blocked from running.
The use of AppLocker is particularly effective in environments where IT administrators need to enforce consistent software policies across multiple devices. Rules can be configured locally on individual workstations or centrally through Group Policy, which enables administrators to deploy the same restrictions across an entire organization. For example, administrators can allow all software signed by a trusted vendor to run, while blocking unsigned executables, or they can allow software located only in certain directories to execute. This level of control is crucial for maintaining security standards, preventing users from installing unauthorized applications, and mitigating risks associated with malware or ransomware that might attempt to execute without proper authorization. By enforcing these policies, AppLocker helps maintain both system stability and organizational compliance with software licensing agreements.
AppLocker’s approach contrasts with other Windows features that may also contribute to system security but do not directly address the execution of unapproved applications. Windows Defender Firewall, for instance, is a network security tool that controls inbound and outbound network traffic. It monitors connections and can block unauthorized network access to or from a system, but it does not prevent local users from running applications. While it is essential for protecting systems from network-based threats, it cannot stop a user from executing a malicious executable or installing unapproved software locally. Therefore, relying solely on Windows Defender Firewall would leave endpoints vulnerable to threats introduced via removable media, downloads, or locally executed programs.
Similarly, Disk Management is a utility that provides administrators and users with the ability to view and manage storage devices, partitions, and volumes. It can be used to create, format, or resize partitions and to maintain disk organization. However, Disk Management does not offer any functionality for controlling which applications or files can run on a system. While it is an important tool for maintaining storage infrastructure, it does not enforce application execution policies or prevent the installation of unapproved software.
File History, another Windows utility, focuses on backup and data protection rather than software control. File History automatically creates copies of user files from specified libraries, desktop folders, and other important locations, allowing users to restore previous versions if data is accidentally deleted or corrupted. While it is critical for protecting user data, it does not provide any mechanism to prevent unauthorized software from running. It addresses file recovery and versioning, but does not enforce application security policies.
The key advantage of AppLocker is that it directly targets the problem of unapproved software execution, which is a common security concern in both corporate and educational environments. By restricting which programs can run, AppLocker reduces the attack surface for malware and helps enforce IT policies that ensure only trusted, verified applications are used. This is particularly important in environments with multiple users who may otherwise have the ability to install and run arbitrary software, which could compromise system stability, security, or compliance. AppLocker also allows administrators to audit software execution attempts, providing visibility into potential policy violations and enhancing the ability to monitor compliance across the network.
AppLocker is the appropriate solution for controlling application execution on Windows workstations because it allows administrators to create precise rules governing which software can run. Unlike Windows Defender Firewall, which focuses on network security, Disk Management, which focuses on storage, or File History, which focuses on backup, AppLocker specifically addresses the need to block unapproved software and enforce organizational software policies. Its ability to manage rules based on publisher, path, or file hash, and its support for centralized enforcement through Group Policy, make it a powerful tool for securing endpoints, reducing malware risks, and maintaining compliance across multiple devices in an enterprise environment. By ensuring that only approved applications can execute, AppLocker directly fulfills the requirement of controlling software execution, making it the optimal solution for protecting Windows workstations against unauthorized software installations.
Question 90
A user reports that their Windows 10 computer frequently crashes with blue screen errors after installing a new graphics card. The crashes occur during system startup and when launching graphics-intensive applications. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
A) Incompatible graphics driver
B) Corrupted system registry
C) Fragmented hard drive
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal
Answer: A) Incompatible graphics driver
Explanation:
Answer: A) An incompatible graphics driver is a common cause of system instability and blue screen errors (also called stop codes) in Windows operating systems, particularly following hardware upgrades such as the installation of a new graphics card. The graphics driver acts as a critical software interface between the operating system and the graphics processing unit (GPU). It translates instructions from the operating system and applications into commands that the GPU can understand and execute. If the driver installed does not match the version of Windows, is incompatible with the GPU hardware model, or contains software bugs, it can disrupt this communication, leading to severe system instability and, in some cases, crashes. These crashes often manifest as blue screen errors during system startup, when launching graphics-intensive applications, or during tasks that heavily utilize GPU resources, such as gaming, video rendering, or running 3D modeling software. The operating system relies on the driver to manage the hardware properly, and when this interface fails, the system kernel encounters errors it cannot recover from, resulting in a stop code to prevent further damage.
When a new graphics card is installed, the operating system typically attempts to use the driver associated with the hardware. If a pre-existing driver is incompatible with the new GPU, or if the driver supplied is not fully compatible with the version of Windows 10 in use, the result can be immediate instability. Symptoms of an incompatible driver include repeated blue screen errors, freezes during graphical operations, distorted video output, and failure to boot normally. Because the problem occurs at the kernel level, it often affects the system globally rather than being limited to a single application. Users might notice that crashes are more frequent when running graphics-heavy programs, which aligns with the role of the GPU and its driver in system operations. The correlation between the installation of a new graphics card and the onset of crashes strongly indicates that the driver is the root cause, rather than peripheral issues such as registry corruption, hard drive fragmentation, or network problems.
Updating or rolling back the graphics driver to a version verified as compatible with both the GPU and the operating system is the standard solution to resolve these types of crashes. The update process typically involves downloading the correct driver from the GPU manufacturer’s website or using Windows Update to install a certified driver. Conversely, if the most recent driver introduces instability, rolling back to a previously stable version can restore system reliability. In scenarios where the system is unable to boot normally due to repeated crashes, booting into Safe Mode is an essential troubleshooting step. Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers, excluding third-party graphics drivers, which allows the technician to access the system without triggering blue screen errors. From Safe Mode, the faulty driver can be uninstalled and replaced with a stable, compatible version, restoring the ability of the operating system to communicate with the GPU effectively.
Other potential causes of system instability, such as a corrupted system registry, fragmented hard drives, or weak Wi-Fi signals, can produce different symptoms but are less likely to directly cause blue screen errors related to graphics operations. A corrupted system registry can indeed lead to instability, but it generally produces broader issues affecting multiple applications and system functions, rather than being tied specifically to GPU-dependent operations. Similarly, fragmented hard drives can slow down file access and affect performance, but they do not interfere with kernel-level communication between the operating system and hardware, so they are unlikely to trigger stop codes. Weak Wi-Fi signals can impact network performance and connectivity, but have no bearing on GPU operations or system stability in general. This contrast highlights why an incompatible graphics driver is the most plausible explanation for crashes occurring immediately after the installation of a new graphics card, especially when those crashes are triggered by graphics-intensive tasks or occur during startup.
The resolution of driver-related crashes not only restores system stability but also ensures that hardware can operate at its intended performance levels. Properly installed and compatible drivers allow the GPU to communicate efficiently with the operating system and applications, enabling smooth rendering, gaming performance, and accurate graphical output. Conversely, an unstable or incompatible driver can prevent the GPU from initializing correctly, lead to memory corruption, and cause the operating system to stop operations to prevent permanent damage. Addressing the driver issue promptly is therefore essential not just for preventing blue screen errors, but also for maintaining overall system reliability and performance.
An incompatible graphics driver is the correct cause of system crashes following a new graphics card installation because it directly affects the communication between Windows 10 and the GPU. Symptoms such as blue screen errors during startup or graphics-intensive tasks, combined with the temporal relationship to the hardware upgrade, strongly point to a driver issue. While other potential causes, such as registry corruption, hard drive fragmentation, or weak Wi-Fi signals, can impact performance or stability in different ways, they do not produce the same targeted, kernel-level crashes associated with GPU operations. Resolving the issue typically involves updating or rolling back to a compatible driver, with Safe Mode providing a fallback for systems that cannot boot normally. Correctly addressing the driver problem restores system stability and ensures that the graphics hardware operates as intended. This makes incompatible graphics drivers the central focus for troubleshooting and resolving post-installation crashes.