CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 11 Q151-165
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Question 151
A Windows 10 user reports that their system takes an unusually long time to boot, and once logged in, multiple applications run slowly. Task Manager shows unusually high disk usage from a system process, even though the storage drive is new. Which is the most likely cause?
A) Excessive background indexing and search services
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Excessive background indexing and search services
Explanation:
Answer: A) Excessive background indexing and search services is correct because Windows 10 automatically indexes files and locations to improve search functionality, but when the indexing service is overloaded, misconfigured, or applied to an unusually large set of directories, it can consume a substantial portion of disk I/O resources, causing prolonged boot times and system-wide slowness despite the storage drive being new and healthy; Task Manager typically shows high disk usage by processes such as SearchIndexer.exe, which confirms that the performance bottleneck is related to background indexing operations. Excessive indexing can occur if users have redirected document folders, connected network drives, or large media libraries included in the indexing scope, or if third-party search utilities interfere with the native Windows indexing service. The recommended solution involves adjusting the indexing options to limit the scope to essential directories, temporarily pausing indexing to assess performance improvement, and ensuring that Windows search services are functioning properly without unnecessary load. Fragmented hard drives may affect performance on mechanical drives, but do not create sustained high disk usage on a new drive. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network-dependent tasks but are unrelated to local disk activity and application performance. Outdated graphics drivers primarily impact display rendering but do not generate excessive disk usage. By managing and optimizing background indexing services, the technician can reduce boot times, improve application responsiveness, ensure that disk I/O is available for active tasks, and prevent performance degradation caused by unnecessary or poorly configured background operations.
Question 152
A corporate IT administrator needs to prevent Windows 10 laptops from running unauthorized applications while allowing approved software to execute normally. Which feature provides the most reliable solution?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is correct because it enables administrators to create rules that define which executable files, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged apps are allowed to run on Windows 10 systems, effectively preventing unauthorized or potentially malicious software while ensuring approved applications continue to operate without disruption; this feature is critical for corporate environments to maintain security, comply with software policies, and reduce the risk of malware infections. AppLocker rules can be configured based on digital signatures, file paths, or cryptographic hashes, providing precise control over software execution. Rules can be enforced locally on individual devices or centrally through Group Policy across a domain, ensuring consistent application control across all endpoints. AppLocker also includes an audit mode, which allows administrators to simulate rules and observe their impact before full enforcement, helping to prevent accidental blockage of essential applications. Disk Cleanup improves disk space but does not restrict application execution. Task Scheduler automates task execution but cannot control software permissions. Event Viewer logs system and application events, but does not prevent unauthorized software from running. Implementing AppLocker allows organizations to enforce application policies effectively, maintain a secure computing environment, minimize malware risk, and ensure compliance, while avoiding unnecessary disruption of legitimate workflow processes.
Question 153
A Windows 10 laptop frequently shuts down during CPU-intensive tasks, and hardware monitoring indicates high CPU temperatures while memory and storage usage remain normal. What is the most likely cause, and what action should the technician take?
A) Overheating due to insufficient cooling; clean fans and replace thermal paste if necessary
B) Fragmented hard drive; defragment the drive
C) Outdated graphics driver; update driver
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal; improve connectivity
Answer: A) Overheating due to insufficient cooling; clean fans and replace thermal paste if necessary
Explanation:
Answer: A) Overheating due to insufficient cooling is correct because modern CPUs generate significant heat under heavy processing loads, and if the laptop cooling system cannot effectively dissipate heat due to dust buildup in vents, failing fans, degraded thermal paste, or blocked airflow, the system initiates automatic shutdowns to prevent permanent hardware damage; this explains why shutdowns occur even though memory and disk usage are normal. Diagnosing the issue involves monitoring CPU temperatures using software tools, physically inspecting cooling components, and verifying airflow within the laptop chassis. Solutions include cleaning fans, clearing vents, reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink, and ensuring unobstructed airflow. Fragmented hard drives may reduce storage performance, but do not cause thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers primarily affect video performance and rendering but are unrelated to CPU overheating. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network performance but do not trigger thermal protection mechanisms. By addressing overheating, the technician restores stable operation, prevents unexpected shutdowns, prolongs hardware life, ensures consistent performance under heavy workloads, and avoids recurring performance issues caused by thermal throttling or hardware protection mechanisms.
Question 154
A company wants to ensure that Windows 10 laptops can be centrally managed so that lost or stolen devices can be tracked, remotely locked, and wiped to protect sensitive corporate information. Which solution provides these capabilities?
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 provides centralized administration, monitoring, and security for portable devices, allowing IT administrators to track device locations, remotely lock devices to prevent unauthorized access, and perform selective or full data wipes to protect sensitive corporate data; MDM integrates with Windows 10 to enforce security policies, deploy updates, configure settings, and monitor compliance across all enrolled laptops, ensuring that devices remain secure even if lost or stolen. Disk Defragmentation improves storage performance but does not provide remote security or tracking features. Local Group Policy allows configuration of settings and policies locally or across a domain, but does not include remote tracking, locking, or wiping functionality. Task Scheduler automates tasks on a local system but does not provide centralized management or security enforcement. Implementing MDM ensures sensitive corporate information is protected, regulatory compliance is maintained, administrators can respond quickly to security incidents, and laptops remain under control in a distributed work environment, providing a comprehensive approach to device security and endpoint management.
Question 155
A Windows 10 user reports rapid battery drain, high system temperature, and persistent high CPU usage from multiple background processes even when idle. What is the most effective first action to resolve this issue?
A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Run Disk Defragmenter
D) Update the graphics driver
Answer: A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
Explanation:
Answer: A) Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is correct because Windows 10 runs numerous background services, software updaters, cloud synchronization tasks, and telemetry processes that can consume CPU cycles continuously, preventing the system from entering low-power states, generating excessive heat, and rapidly depleting battery life; by using Task Manager or Resource Monitor, the technician can pinpoint which processes are consuming the most CPU and memory and then terminate, disable, or adjust them to run less frequently, optimizing system performance. Simply replacing the battery without addressing background process activity may temporarily improve runtime but will not resolve the underlying cause of high CPU usage and heat. Running Disk Defragmenter may improve mechanical drive performance but does not reduce CPU consumption. Updating the graphics driver may improve visual performance but does not mitigate high CPU usage from unrelated background processes. Properly managing and optimizing background processes restores system efficiency, reduces heat generation, prolongs battery life, and ensures overall responsiveness, allowing the laptop to operate at optimal performance without unnecessary hardware replacement or system disruption.
Question 156
A Windows 10 user reports that the system intermittently freezes and applications become unresponsive when launching new programs. Task Manager shows that the CPU usage spikes briefly to 100% when programs start, then drops but overall system responsiveness remains poor. The system has adequate RAM and SSD storage. What is the most likely cause?
A) Background services consuming high CPU at program launch
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Background services consuming high CPU at program launch
Explanation:
Answer: A) Background services consuming high CPU at program launch is correct because Windows 10 runs numerous services such as Windows Update, indexing, and security scans, which can become particularly active when a new application is started, consuming CPU resources that temporarily spike to high levels; even when RAM and storage are adequate, if background processes consume disproportionate CPU cycles during program initialization, system responsiveness can degrade, resulting in unresponsive applications and the appearance of freezing. The intermittent nature of the freezes is consistent with CPU contention from multiple background services starting simultaneously, particularly after system startup or after long periods of idle time. Technicians can diagnose this by using Task Manager or Resource Monitor to observe which services spike in CPU usage during program launch, and can mitigate the problem by adjusting service start types, disabling unnecessary background tasks, or scheduling intensive services during off-peak hours. Fragmented drives primarily affect mechanical storage performance but not CPU spikes on an SSD. Weak Wi-Fi signals only affect network-dependent applications and cannot explain CPU-intensive freezes. Outdated graphics drivers may affect rendering but are unrelated to overall CPU spikes at application launch. Proper management of background services ensures smoother application startup, more consistent system responsiveness, and reduces temporary freezing without requiring hardware upgrades.
Question 157
A company wants to enforce that all Windows 10 laptops can only execute software approved by the IT department, and prevent any unauthorized or potentially malicious software from running. Which feature provides the most secure and manageable solution?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is correct because it provides administrators with a method to enforce software execution policies on Windows 10 machines by defining which applications, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged apps are allowed to run while blocking all others, providing a strong layer of security against unauthorized or malicious software; this feature is critical in enterprise environments to ensure endpoint security, comply with organizational software policies, and prevent malware infections without interfering with approved business applications. AppLocker rules can be based on file attributes such as digital signatures, file paths, or cryptographic hashes, providing granular control, and they can be deployed locally or via Group Policy across multiple devices for centralized management. Audit mode allows administrators to simulate rules and monitor their effect before full enforcement, avoiding accidental blocking of legitimate applications. Disk Cleanup helps free disk space but does not control which software can run. Task Scheduler automates execution of tasks but cannot restrict software usage. Event Viewer logs events but does not prevent application execution. Using AppLocker ensures that all software executed on managed Windows 10 laptops complies with organizational policies, reduces security risks, enables centralized control, and maintains operational efficiency without disrupting approved workflows.
Question 158
A Windows 10 laptop frequently shuts down unexpectedly when running high-intensity CPU applications, and hardware monitoring shows the CPU temperature exceeding safe thresholds, while memory and storage remain normal. What is the most likely cause, and what is the recommended solution?
A) CPU overheating due to inadequate cooling; clean fans and reapply thermal paste
B) Fragmented hard drive; defragment the drive
C) Outdated graphics driver; update driver
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal; improve connectivity
Answer: A) CPU overheating due to inadequate cooling; clean fans and reapply thermal paste
Explanation:
Answer: A) CPU overheating due to inadequate cooling is a common cause of unexpected shutdowns in laptops and desktops, particularly during heavy processing tasks. Modern CPUs are designed to handle complex computations at high speeds, which inherently generates substantial heat. To maintain safe operating temperatures, computers rely on cooling systems that typically include fans, heat sinks, thermal paste, and carefully designed airflow channels. If any part of this system is compromised, whether due to dust buildup, degraded thermal paste, or restricted airflow, the CPU temperature can rise to critical levels, triggering automatic shutdowns to prevent permanent hardware damage. This safety mechanism explains why a system may power off unexpectedly even when memory, storage, and other components appear to be functioning normally.
Dust accumulation within the cooling system is one of the most common contributors to overheating. Laptop and desktop fans draw in air to cool the CPU and other heat-generating components, but over time, dust, lint, and debris can settle on fan blades, vents, and heat sinks. This buildup obstructs airflow, reducing the system’s ability to dissipate heat efficiently. Even if fans are spinning at full speed, restricted airflow diminishes their effectiveness, causing internal temperatures to rise. Excessive dust can also put additional mechanical strain on the fans, potentially leading to fan failure or further inefficiency in cooling, which exacerbates overheating.
Degraded thermal paste is another factor that affects CPU cooling. Thermal paste is applied between the CPU and the heat sink to facilitate efficient heat transfer. Over time, the paste can dry out, crack, or lose its thermal conductivity, creating a thermal barrier that prevents effective dissipation of heat from the processor to the heat sink. This results in elevated CPU temperatures under load, which can activate thermal protection mechanisms, including automatic shutdowns or throttling of the CPU to reduce heat output. Reapplying high-quality thermal paste can restore effective heat transfer, lowering CPU temperatures and stabilizing performance during demanding tasks.
Airflow restrictions within the laptop or desktop chassis can further contribute to overheating. Laptops, in particular, are compact devices with limited internal space. Poor internal cable management, obstructed vents, or crowded component placement can restrict airflow, allowing heat to accumulate around the CPU and other components. External factors, such as placing a laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches, can block intake and exhaust vents, further impeding proper cooling. Insufficient airflow reduces the system’s ability to dissipate heat efficiently, increasing the likelihood of thermal shutdowns.
Diagnosing overheating involves monitoring CPU and system temperatures using software utilities such as HWMonitor, Core Temp, or built-in BIOS/UEFI monitoring tools. High temperature readings under normal or moderately heavy workloads indicate that the cooling system is not functioning optimally. Physical inspection of the cooling components is also essential. Technicians check for dust accumulation, verify that fans are spinning correctly, and ensure that heat sinks are properly seated. Inspecting airflow pathways and ensuring they are unobstructed confirms that the system can effectively move hot air away from critical components.
Corrective measures focus on restoring proper thermal management. Cleaning dust from fans, vents, and heat sinks is a first step in improving airflow and cooling efficiency. Reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink enhances heat transfer and lowers operating temperatures. Ensuring that airflow pathways are clear, both internally and externally, allows the system to dissipate heat effectively. In some cases, upgrading the cooling system, such as installing higher-capacity fans or additional heat sinks, may be necessary for systems subjected to sustained heavy workloads.
It is important to distinguish CPU overheating from other potential performance issues. Fragmented drives may slow file access, but do not cause thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers primarily affect display performance and GPU-related operations rather than CPU temperature. Weak Wi-Fi signals impact network performance but do not trigger thermal protection mechanisms. Therefore, when a system experiences unexpected shutdowns while memory and storage appear normal, overheating due to inadequate cooling is a likely cause.
Correcting CPU overheating ensures stable operation, prevents unexpected shutdowns, prolongs processor lifespan, and maintains consistent performance during demanding workloads. It also prevents thermal throttling, which can degrade overall system performance by reducing CPU clock speeds to manage heat. By addressing cooling issues, technicians can ensure that computers operate efficiently, reliably, and safely, even under heavy computational loads, providing a better user experience and protecting hardware investment over the long term.
Question 159
A company wants to centrally manage Windows 10 laptops so that lost or stolen devices can be tracked, remotely locked, and wiped to protect sensitive corporate data. Which solution is the most effective?
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 a critical technology for organizations that require centralized control, monitoring, and security for their Windows 10 laptops and other portable devices. In modern enterprise environments, employees frequently work remotely or use devices outside the physical boundaries of corporate networks. This mobility, combined with the increasing sensitivity of corporate data and the need for regulatory compliance, creates challenges in managing and securing endpoints. MDM addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive platform that allows IT administrators to manage devices remotely, enforce policies, monitor compliance, and respond swiftly to security incidents. It ensures that corporate data remains protected, systems remain compliant with organizational standards, and devices are manageable across distributed workforces.
At its core, MDM provides centralized administration for all enrolled devices. Through a single management console, IT administrators can configure and enforce policies across an entire fleet of laptops, tablets, or other portable devices. This centralized approach is crucial for maintaining consistency in system configurations, security settings, and software deployment. For example, administrators can enforce password policies, enable disk encryption, and restrict access to certain applications, ensuring that all devices adhere to corporate standards regardless of the user or physical location. Centralized management significantly reduces the administrative burden compared to manual device configuration and helps prevent inconsistencies that could compromise security or compliance.
One of the primary advantages of MDM is its ability to monitor device status in real time. Administrators can track critical information such as system health, operating system versions, application updates, and compliance with security policies. Device tracking is particularly important in situations where laptops are lost or stolen. MDM solutions allow IT teams to locate a device’s physical position using GPS or network-based tracking, providing an opportunity to recover the device before sensitive data is compromised. Real-time monitoring also enables proactive detection of potential issues, such as outdated software, disabled security features, or unusual activity that may indicate a security breach. By maintaining continuous visibility over all endpoints, organizations can reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and respond more effectively to incidents.
Security is another core function of MDM. If a laptop is lost or stolen, administrators can remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized access. In higher-risk scenarios, MDM enables selective or full data wipes. A selective wipe removes corporate data while preserving personal files on a user’s device, which is particularly useful in BYOD (bring your own device) scenarios. A full wipe restores the laptop to factory settings, ensuring that all sensitive information is removed and cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals. These remote capabilities are critical for protecting corporate data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and reducing the potential for data breaches, which could result in financial losses or damage to organizational reputation. Integration with Windows 10 further enhances security by allowing administrators to enforce encryption, enable firewalls, configure antivirus policies, and manage access rights centrally.
In addition to security, MDM provides tools for software deployment and system maintenance. Administrators can remotely distribute operating system updates, security patches, and approved applications, ensuring that all devices remain up-to-date without requiring user intervention. Configuration management through MDM allows administrators to apply standardized settings across all devices, such as network configurations, firewall rules, and software restrictions. These capabilities not only enhance security but also ensure operational consistency and reduce the likelihood of misconfigurations that could lead to vulnerabilities. MDM also provides audit trails and reporting tools that document compliance and policy enforcement, which are essential for regulatory reporting and internal governance.
When comparing MDM to other Windows tools, its advantages become clear. Disk Defragmentation, for instance, improves storage performance by reorganizing fragmented files on mechanical drives, but it provides no functionality for remote device management, security enforcement, or compliance monitoring. Local Group Policy allows administrators to enforce system configurations and security settings on individual devices, but it cannot track device locations, remotely lock devices, or perform data wipes. Task Scheduler automates tasks locally on a device, such as running scripts or maintenance jobs, but it does not provide centralized management, monitoring, or remote control. While these tools are valuable for specific functions, none offer the holistic management, security, and compliance capabilities that MDM provides for a distributed fleet of endpoints.
Implementing MDM ensures that corporate laptops are secure, manageable, and compliant across an organization, particularly in environments where employees are geographically dispersed or work remotely. It provides IT administrators with the tools to enforce consistent policies, monitor device health, respond rapidly to lost or stolen devices, and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Centralized control reduces administrative overhead, mitigates the risk of human error in device configuration, and ensures that regulatory compliance standards are consistently met. By integrating monitoring, security enforcement, software deployment, and configuration management into a single platform, MDM provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise endpoint management.
Mobile Device Management is the most effective solution for managing and securing Windows 10 laptops in a modern enterprise environment. It provides centralized administration, real-time monitoring, and robust security features that allow IT administrators to track devices, enforce policies, deploy updates, and remotely lock or wipe devices when necessary. By addressing the limitations of other tools, such as Disk Defragmentation, Local Group Policy, and Task Scheduler, which only perform specific functions without providing centralized control or security capabilities, MDM ensures that corporate data remains secure, compliance is maintained, and endpoints are manageable across distributed workforces. Implementing MDM enhances operational efficiency, protects sensitive information, and provides organizations with the ability to respond swiftly to incidents, making it a critical component of enterprise IT strategy.
Question 160
A Windows 10 laptop user reports rapid battery drain, system overheating, and high CPU usage from multiple background processes while idle. What is the most effective first step to address these issues?
A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Run Disk Defragmenter
D) Update the graphics driver
Answer: A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
Explanation:
Answer: A) Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is correct because Windows 10 frequently runs multiple services such as cloud sync applications, software updaters, telemetry, and indexing tasks that continuously consume CPU resources, preventing the system from entering low-power states, generating excess heat, and draining the battery rapidly; using Task Manager or Resource Monitor, technicians can determine which processes are consuming disproportionate CPU and memory, and then terminate, disable, or reschedule them to optimize performance and power efficiency. Replacing the battery without addressing background processes only temporarily improves runtime without fixing the underlying cause. Running Disk Defragmenter may improve storage performance on mechanical drives, but it does not reduce CPU usage or background activity. Updating the graphics driver impacts display performance but does not mitigate high CPU usage caused by unrelated processes. By effectively managing background tasks, technicians restore system efficiency, reduce heat generation, prolong battery life, and improve responsiveness, ensuring the laptop operates optimally without unnecessary hardware replacements or system disruption.
Question 161
A Windows 10 user reports that after installing multiple large applications, the system responds slowly and frequently freezes when switching between programs. Task Manager indicates that the paging file is being heavily used, even though the system has 16GB of RAM. What is the most likely cause?
A) Excessive virtual memory usage due to insufficient memory management
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Excessive virtual memory usage due to insufficient memory management
Explanation:
Answer: A) Excessive virtual memory usage due to insufficient memory management is a critical performance issue that can significantly impact the stability, responsiveness, and usability of Windows 10 systems. Modern operating systems, including Windows 10, are designed to manage memory dynamically, using physical RAM in combination with a paging file on disk to create a larger virtual memory space. Virtual memory allows the operating system to provide addressable space for all running processes, even when physical RAM is limited or when multiple memory-intensive applications are in use simultaneously. However, if memory management is misconfigured or if applications consume memory inefficiently, the system can over-rely on the paging file, leading to high disk I/O, slow application switching, and frequent system freezes, which severely affect user productivity.
The concept of virtual memory is central to understanding this problem. In Windows 10, the operating system maintains a paging file, often located on the system drive, which acts as an extension of physical RAM. When available physical memory becomes insufficient to accommodate the data and instructions required by running applications, the system transfers less frequently used memory pages from RAM to the paging file. This process, known as paging or swapping, frees physical memory for active processes but comes with a performance cost because disk access is significantly slower than access to RAM. Under normal circumstances, this mechanism works efficiently, allowing users to run applications smoothly without exhausting physical memory. However, when virtual memory usage becomes excessive due to mismanagement or poorly optimized applications, the system experiences constant paging activity, which manifests as high disk usage, delayed application response times, and even system freezes or temporary unresponsiveness.
Several factors contribute to excessive virtual memory usage. One primary factor is memory-hogging applications that consume large amounts of RAM without releasing it efficiently. These applications may include web browsers with multiple tabs open, virtual machines, large databases, or multimedia editing software. If multiple such applications are running concurrently, physical RAM can become saturated, forcing Windows to rely heavily on the paging file. Another contributing factor is inefficient background services or startup applications that consume memory continuously. Some background processes, such as cloud synchronization services, telemetry collection, and auto-updaters, can accumulate memory usage over time, further straining the system’s RAM capacity. Misconfigured virtual memory settings can exacerbate these issues—for example, if the paging file size is too small or if it is not located on a disk with adequate speed, the system may struggle to swap memory pages efficiently, leading to noticeable performance degradation.
Diagnosing excessive virtual memory usage involves several systematic steps. First, Task Manager provides an immediate overview of system memory consumption, including total physical memory, committed memory, and memory usage per process. Administrators and technicians can identify which applications or processes are consuming unusually large amounts of memory and evaluate whether they are releasing it as expected. Resource Monitor, a more advanced diagnostic tool, offers detailed insight into memory usage patterns, page faults, and paging file activity. By analyzing the number of hard faults per second—an indicator of how often memory pages are being transferred between RAM and disk—technicians can determine whether excessive paging is occurring. Additionally, examining the size, location, and configuration of the paging file ensures that the system can handle current memory demands efficiently. For example, storing the paging file on a fast SSD rather than a slow mechanical drive can reduce the latency of page transfers and improve responsiveness under high virtual memory usage.
Addressing excessive virtual memory usage requires a combination of system configuration adjustments and application optimization. One common corrective action is to adjust the paging file size. Windows 10 typically manages the paging file automatically, but manual configuration can improve performance in specific scenarios. Setting an appropriate minimum and maximum size for the paging file, based on system RAM capacity and workload requirements, can reduce excessive disk activity and improve system responsiveness. Another approach is to optimize or terminate memory-intensive applications. Users can close unnecessary programs, reduce the number of open browser tabs, or adjust application settings to limit memory consumption. Regular software updates are also critical, as developers often release patches that address memory leaks, optimize resource usage, and enhance overall performance. Additionally, ensuring that Windows itself is managing memory efficiently—through features like memory compression, background task prioritization, and system maintenance utilities—can prevent over-reliance on virtual memory.
It is important to distinguish excessive virtual memory usage from other performance issues. Fragmented hard drives primarily affect disk read and write speeds and may slow down file access, but they do not directly cause high virtual memory usage when sufficient RAM is available. Similarly, weak Wi-Fi signals can impair network-dependent tasks, such as streaming or cloud file access, but they have no direct impact on the paging file or memory management. Outdated graphics drivers can produce visual artifacts or performance issues in GPU-intensive applications, yet they do not lead to excessive RAM or virtual memory consumption. By isolating memory management as the root cause of system freezes and slow application switching, technicians can apply targeted solutions rather than addressing unrelated symptoms.
Proper management of virtual memory and physical RAM has profound effects on system performance and user experience. Reducing excessive paging improves application responsiveness, allowing programs to open, close, and switch more quickly. It also reduces disk I/O, which in turn lowers wear on storage devices, particularly mechanical hard drives that are subject to physical read/write cycles. Efficient memory management ensures that both physical and virtual memory are utilized optimally, preventing system freezes and enabling multitasking even under heavy workloads. For enterprise environments, this translates to improved productivity, fewer technical support incidents, and enhanced reliability for critical business applications.
In addition to optimizing performance, addressing excessive virtual memory usage contributes to system stability and longevity. Constant high disk usage caused by paging places additional strain on storage devices, which may accelerate wear and reduce lifespan. It also increases the likelihood of system crashes and unresponsiveness during peak workloads. By ensuring that memory usage is balanced between physical RAM and the paging file, systems operate more predictably, reducing interruptions and potential data loss. In multi-user or resource-intensive environments, such as virtual desktop infrastructure or creative content production, proper memory management is essential for maintaining consistent performance and avoiding costly downtime.
Excessive virtual memory usage due to insufficient memory management is a significant performance issue in Windows 10 that can lead to slow application switching, frequent freezes, and degraded system responsiveness. Even with sufficient physical RAM, inefficient applications, misconfigured paging files, or poorly managed background processes can force the operating system to over-rely on virtual memory, causing high disk I/O and system instability. Diagnosing the issue involves monitoring memory usage with Task Manager and Resource Monitor, examining paging file settings, and identifying memory-intensive processes. Solutions include adjusting paging file size, optimizing or terminating resource-hogging applications, updating software, and ensuring Windows manages memory efficiently. Unlike fragmented drives, weak Wi-Fi, or outdated graphics drivers, which affect specific subsystems without directly influencing virtual memory, mismanagement of memory resources has a pervasive impact on system performance. Properly addressing virtual memory usage restores system responsiveness, reduces freezes, enables smooth multitasking, and ensures that both physical and virtual memory resources are utilized efficiently, providing a stable and productive computing environment even under heavy workloads.
Question 162
A corporate IT administrator wants to ensure that all Windows 10 laptops can run only approved applications, while preventing unapproved or potentially malicious software from executing. Which feature provides the most effective solution?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
A) AppLocker is correct because it allows administrators to define and enforce rules that control which executables, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged apps can run on Windows 10 systems, ensuring that only approved software operates while blocking unapproved applications that could pose security risks; this is essential for corporate environments to maintain endpoint security, enforce software compliance, and reduce the risk of malware infections without impacting legitimate workflows. AppLocker rules can be based on file attributes such as digital signatures, file paths, or cryptographic hashes, providing fine-grained control, and can be applied locally or centrally through Group Policy to ensure consistent enforcement across all endpoints. AppLocker also includes an audit mode, allowing administrators to simulate the rules and observe their impact before full enforcement to prevent accidental disruption of critical applications. Disk Cleanup frees storage space but does not restrict software execution. Task Scheduler automates tasks but does not control which applications can run. Event Viewer logs system and application events, but cannot enforce execution restrictions. Implementing AppLocker allows organizations to enforce software policies effectively, reduce security risks, ensure compliance, and maintain operational efficiency, providing a secure computing environment while preventing unauthorized software from interfering with daily operations.
Question 163
A Windows 10 laptop frequently shuts down unexpectedly during heavy CPU workloads, and hardware monitoring indicates that the CPU temperature exceeds safe thresholds while memory and disk usage remain normal. What is the most likely cause, and what corrective action should be taken?
A) CPU overheating due to insufficient cooling; clean fans and reapply thermal paste
B) Fragmented hard drive; defragment the drive
C) Outdated graphics driver; update driver
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal; improve connectivity
Answer: A) CPU overheating due to insufficient cooling; clean fans and reapply thermal paste
Explanation:
Answer: A) CPU overheating due to insufficient cooling is correct because modern processors generate substantial heat under heavy computational loads, and if the laptop’s cooling system cannot dissipate this heat effectively due to dust buildup in fans and vents, degraded thermal paste, or restricted airflow, the system triggers automatic shutdowns to prevent permanent damage, explaining why shutdowns occur even when memory and storage usage are normal. Diagnosing this issue involves monitoring CPU temperature, physically inspecting the cooling system, and ensuring proper airflow. Cleaning fans and vents, reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink, and verifying that vents are unobstructed restores adequate thermal management and allows the CPU to operate under heavy workloads reliably. Fragmented drives reduce mechanical drive performance but do not cause thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers mainly affect display performance rather than CPU temperature. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network connectivity but are unrelated to thermal events. Correcting overheating stabilizes the system, prevents unexpected shutdowns, prolongs CPU lifespan, maintains consistent performance during demanding tasks, and avoids recurring performance degradation caused by thermal throttling or hardware protection mechanisms.
Question 164
A company wants to centrally manage Windows 10 laptops so that if a device is lost or stolen, IT can track it, remotely lock it, and wipe sensitive data. Which solution provides the most effective method?
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 allows IT administrators to centrally monitor, configure, and secure portable devices, enabling tracking of device locations, remote locking to prevent unauthorized access, and selective or full data wipes to protect sensitive corporate information; MDM integrates with Windows 10 to enforce security policies, deploy updates, configure settings, and ensure compliance across all enrolled devices, providing centralized control over endpoints even when devices are lost or stolen. Disk Defragmentation improves storage performance but does not provide remote management or security controls. Local Group Policy allows configuration of system settings, but cannot track, lock, or wipe devices remotely. Task Scheduler automates tasks locally but does not provide centralized security management. Implementing MDM ensures data protection, regulatory compliance, timely incident response, and effective management of a distributed workforce, providing a comprehensive solution for corporate device security and control.
Question 165
A Windows 10 user reports that their laptop battery drains quickly, the system becomes hot, and multiple background processes consume high CPU resources even when idle. What is the most effective first action to resolve the problem?
A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Run Disk Defragmenter
D) Update the graphics driver
Answer: A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
Explanation:
Answer: A) Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is correct because Windows 10 frequently runs numerous background services such as software updaters, cloud synchronization tasks, telemetry processes, and indexing services that consume CPU cycles continuously, preventing the system from entering low-power states, generating heat, and depleting battery rapidly; by using Task Manager or Resource Monitor, technicians can determine which processes are using excessive CPU and memory resources, and then terminate, disable, or adjust their execution schedules to optimize system performance. Simply replacing the battery without addressing these processes may temporarily improve runtime, but it does not resolve the root cause of high CPU usage. Running Disk Defragmenter improves storage performance but does not reduce CPU load or background activity. Updating the graphics driver primarily affects visual performance and does not mitigate CPU usage from unrelated background processes. Proper management of background tasks restores system efficiency, lowers heat generation, prolongs battery life, and improves overall responsiveness, allowing the laptop to function optimally without unnecessary hardware replacement or disruptive system modifications.