CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 14 Q196-210
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Question 196
A Windows 10 user reports that their laptop becomes unresponsive during moderate multitasking, Task Manager shows high CPU usage by a single background process, but memory and storage utilization remain normal. What is the most likely cause?
A) Misbehaving background process or service
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Misbehaving background process or service
Explanation:
Answer: A) Misbehaving background process or service is correct because Windows 10 routinely runs numerous background services such as Windows Update, indexing, telemetry, antivirus scans, and system maintenance tasks, and when any of these processes enter an abnormal state, they can monopolize CPU resources without significantly affecting memory or storage usage, resulting in system unresponsiveness, slow application switching, and intermittent freezes during moderate multitasking. This situation often arises from poorly coded applications, software bugs, or conflicting processes that continuously demand CPU cycles without relinquishing control, preventing other applications from executing efficiently. Diagnosing the problem involves using Task Manager, Resource Monitor, or Performance Monitor to identify the specific process responsible for excessive CPU usage and evaluating the impact on overall system performance. The technician can then terminate, disable, reschedule, or update the problematic process, or apply system patches to correct inefficiencies, ensuring the CPU is available for foreground applications and essential services. Fragmented hard drives primarily affect read/write speeds and are unlikely to cause persistent CPU spikes. Weak Wi-Fi signals impact network-dependent tasks but do not directly cause high CPU usage for local processes. Outdated graphics drivers may lead to display issues or degraded rendering performance, but are unrelated to continuous background CPU load. Properly identifying and mitigating the misbehaving service restores CPU availability for active applications, improves multitasking responsiveness, prevents repeated system freezes, and ensures the operating system can manage workloads efficiently. This intervention enhances user productivity, reduces frustration caused by system delays, prevents unnecessary thermal stress on the processor due to prolonged high CPU usage, and contributes to overall system stability and longevity by maintaining balanced resource utilization and preventing excessive wear on hardware components.
Question 197
A corporate IT administrator wants to restrict which applications can run on Windows 10 laptops, ensuring only approved software executes to prevent malware and unauthorized installations. Which feature provides the most effective solution?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is correct because it allows administrators to define precise rules controlling which executables, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged applications can run on Windows 10 endpoints, effectively preventing unapproved or potentially harmful software from executing while allowing authorized applications to function normally. These rules can be based on file attributes such as digital signatures, file paths, or cryptographic hashes, providing granular control over application execution, and can be applied locally on individual machines or deployed centrally via Group Policy across a domain, ensuring consistent enforcement throughout the organization. AppLocker also includes an audit mode, which allows administrators to simulate rules, monitor their impact, and adjust configurations without inadvertently blocking legitimate applications, thereby reducing operational disruption. Disk Cleanup only removes temporary files and system cache data and does not control software execution. Task Scheduler automates the execution of tasks but does not enforce restrictions on which programs are allowed to run. Event Viewer provides logs of system and application events, but it cannot prevent unauthorized software from executing. Implementing AppLocker enhances endpoint security by reducing the risk of malware infections, preventing unauthorized installations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing a controlled computing environment, which minimizes administrative overhead and ensures operational consistency across all managed devices. Proper deployment of AppLocker ensures that corporate laptops operate under a secure policy framework, limiting exposure to threats while maintaining productivity and reliability for end users.
Question 198
A Windows 10 laptop shuts down unexpectedly under high CPU load, and monitoring indicates the processor temperature exceeds safe limits while memory and storage remain within normal ranges. What is the most likely cause, and what corrective action should be taken?
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 correct because intensive workloads generate substantial heat within the processor, and if the cooling system is obstructed by dust, contains degraded thermal paste, or has malfunctioning fans, the CPU can reach temperatures that trigger automatic shutdowns to prevent permanent hardware damage. Memory and storage remaining normal indicates that the problem is thermal rather than a resource shortage. Diagnosing the problem involves monitoring CPU temperature with software utilities, inspecting fans, vents, and heat sinks for obstructions or damage, and ensuring adequate airflow throughout the laptop chassis. Corrective measures include cleaning accumulated dust, reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink to improve heat transfer, and verifying proper fan operation to maintain optimal cooling. Fragmented hard drives primarily affect read/write speeds and do not cause thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers affect video rendering but do not influence CPU thermal management. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network connectivity but are unrelated to processor overheating. Addressing CPU overheating restores system stability, prevents unexpected shutdowns, prolongs CPU and laptop lifespan, maintains consistent performance under demanding workloads, prevents thermal throttling, reduces user frustration caused by repeated interruptions, ensures reliable operation for productivity tasks, and minimizes long-term hardware degradation due to excessive heat exposure. Proper maintenance of cooling systems ensures optimal performance and system longevity, supporting consistent usability under heavy computing tasks without recurring interruptions.
Question 199
A company wants to centrally manage Windows 10 laptops to track lost or stolen devices, remotely lock them, and erase corporate data. Which solution provides the most effective management?
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, security enforcement, and monitoring for Windows 10 laptops, enabling IT administrators to locate lost or stolen devices, remotely lock them to prevent unauthorized access, and perform selective or full data wipes to protect sensitive corporate information. MDM integrates with Windows 10 to deploy policies, configure system settings, manage software updates, and monitor compliance across all enrolled devices, ensuring consistent management even in distributed or remote work environments. Disk Defragmentation improves local storage efficiency but provides no centralized security or remote management. Local Group Policy can enforce configuration and security settings, but cannot track, lock, or wipe devices remotely. Task Scheduler automates repetitive tasks on individual devices but does not offer centralized oversight or remote control. Implementing MDM ensures corporate data is protected, administrators can respond promptly to incidents, regulatory compliance is maintained, laptops remain secure, and organizations reduce the risks associated with lost or stolen devices. Proper MDM deployment enhances endpoint security, provides central oversight, ensures consistent policy enforcement, minimizes potential data breaches, supports operational continuity, and strengthens overall corporate IT security posture.
Question 200
A Windows 10 laptop experiences rapid battery drain, overheating, and high CPU usage from multiple background processes while 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 routinely runs multiple background services, including cloud synchronization, telemetry, indexing, updates, and maintenance tasks, which can continuously consume CPU resources, prevent the system from entering low-power states, generate heat, and cause rapid battery depletion. Task Manager or Resource Monitor allows the technician to pinpoint processes consuming excessive CPU or memory, enabling termination, disabling, or rescheduling to optimize performance and power efficiency. Replacing the battery may temporarily extend run time, but it does not address the root cause of high CPU utilization. Running Disk Defragmenter improves storage performance on mechanical drives but does not reduce CPU activity or thermal load. Updating graphics drivers affects rendering performance but does not mitigate CPU usage from unrelated background services. Properly managing these processes restores system efficiency, lowers heat generation, prolongs battery life, improves responsiveness, ensures optimal performance under typical workloads, minimizes hardware wear, prevents thermal stress, enhances the user experience, and allows the laptop to operate efficiently without unnecessary replacements or interventions, maintaining stability, conserving energy, reducing stress on components, and supporting long-term operational reliability.
Question 201
A Windows 10 user reports that their system slows significantly when multiple applications are open, and Task Manager shows unusually high paging file usage even though the computer has 16GB of RAM. What is the most likely cause?
A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications
Explanation:
Answer: A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications is correct because Windows 10 uses the paging file as virtual memory to extend the system’s usable memory beyond the physical RAM. When applications allocate memory inefficiently, fail to release memory properly, or contain memory leaks, the operating system must frequently swap data between RAM and the paging file on disk, which increases disk I/O activity and leads to slow performance, unresponsive applications, and intermittent freezes even when sufficient physical memory exists. Task Manager and Resource Monitor can identify processes that consume the most memory and trigger heavy paging, allowing the technician to terminate, optimize, or update these applications. Adjusting virtual memory settings, controlling startup programs, and optimizing application behavior can reduce excessive reliance on the paging file. Fragmented hard drives primarily impact mechanical read/write performance and have minimal effect on modern SSDs or paging file behavior. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network tasks but do not influence local memory management. Outdated graphics drivers impact video rendering and display performance but are unrelated to virtual memory consumption. Properly managing memory-intensive processes ensures smoother multitasking, reduces disk I/O bottlenecks, improves responsiveness, and maintains efficient use of both physical and virtual memory. This approach prevents unnecessary slowdowns, prolongs storage lifespan by reducing constant swapping, enhances overall user experience, improves productivity during multitasking scenarios, and ensures that even resource-heavy applications run efficiently without causing excessive paging, providing a reliable and stable computing environment for both casual and professional users.
Question 202
A Windows 10 laptop shuts down unexpectedly during CPU-intensive tasks, and monitoring shows the CPU temperature exceeds safe limits while memory and storage usage are normal. What is the most likely cause, and what action should be taken?
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 correct because intensive workloads generate substantial heat, and if the laptop’s cooling system is obstructed by dust, has degraded thermal paste, or contains malfunctioning fans, the CPU can reach unsafe temperatures that trigger automatic shutdowns to prevent permanent hardware damage. Normal memory and storage usage indicate the problem is thermal rather than related to insufficient resources. Diagnosing the issue involves monitoring CPU temperatures with software utilities, inspecting fans, vents, and heat sinks for dust buildup or mechanical issues, and verifying that airflow is unobstructed. Corrective actions include cleaning dust from fans and vents, reapplying thermal paste to improve heat transfer from the CPU to the heat sink, and ensuring proper fan operation. Fragmented hard drives mainly affect read/write performance and do not cause thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers affect display and rendering, but not CPU temperature. Weak Wi-Fi signals impact network connectivity but are unrelated to thermal problems. Addressing overheating restores system stability, prevents unexpected shutdowns, prolongs CPU and laptop lifespan, maintains consistent performance under heavy workloads, prevents thermal throttling, reduces user frustration, ensures reliable productivity, minimizes long-term hardware damage, and preserves overall device reliability. Proper cooling maintenance enables laptops to operate safely under demanding tasks, protects internal components, and enhances user experience while reducing future repair costs and preventing repeated thermal-related interruptions.
Question 203
A company wants to centrally manage Windows 10 laptops so that IT can track lost devices, remotely lock them, and wipe sensitive corporate data. Which solution provides the most effective management?
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 management for Windows 10 laptops, enabling administrators to locate lost or stolen devices, remotely lock them to prevent unauthorized access, and perform selective or complete data wipes to safeguard sensitive information. MDM integrates with Windows 10 to deploy security policies, configure settings, install updates, and monitor compliance across all enrolled devices, ensuring consistent enforcement even in distributed or remote work environments. Disk Defragmentation improves local storage performance but does not provide centralized control, device tracking, or data protection capabilities. Local Group Policy can enforce security and configuration settings, but cannot remotely track, lock, or wipe devices. Task Scheduler automates repetitive tasks on individual devices but does not provide centralized security management or endpoint oversight. Implementing MDM ensures corporate data remains secure, reduces the risk of breaches due to lost or stolen devices, maintains regulatory compliance, and allows administrators to respond quickly to security incidents. Proper MDM deployment provides organizations with comprehensive control over endpoints, minimizes operational disruption, enhances device management efficiency, and strengthens overall IT security posture while ensuring that users can continue working securely without compromising sensitive data.
Question 204
A Windows 10 laptop exhibits rapid battery drain, overheating, and high CPU usage from multiple background processes while idle. What is the most effective first step to resolve this 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 services, including telemetry, indexing, cloud synchronization, updates, and maintenance tasks, which can consume CPU cycles continuously, preventing the system from entering low-power states, generating heat, and rapidly depleting battery life. Task Manager or Resource Monitor can be used to identify which processes consume excessive CPU and memory resources, allowing the technician to terminate, disable, or reschedule them to restore performance and reduce energy consumption. Replacing the battery may temporarily extend run time, but it does not resolve the underlying cause of excessive CPU utilization and heat generation. Running Disk Defragmenter improves read/write performance on mechanical drives but does not affect CPU activity or battery life. Updating graphics drivers may enhance display performance, but it does not address unrelated background process activity. Properly managing background processes restores system efficiency, lowers thermal output, prolongs battery lifespan, improves responsiveness, ensures optimal performance for typical workloads, reduces hardware wear, prevents thermal stress, enhances user experience, and allows laptops to operate efficiently without unnecessary replacement or disruption. Effective process management ensures stable, reliable operation, maintains energy efficiency, supports long-term device longevity, prevents unnecessary component strain, and optimizes system responsiveness for daily computing tasks.
Question 205
A Windows 10 user reports slow system performance, poor application responsiveness, and high virtual memory usage despite having 16GB of physical RAM. What is the most likely cause?
A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications
Explanation:
Answer: A) Excessive paging file usage due to inefficient applications is correct because Windows 10 relies on the paging file to extend memory capacity beyond physical RAM, and when applications allocate memory inefficiently, fail to release resources, or contain memory leaks, the operating system repeatedly swaps data between RAM and disk, causing high virtual memory usage, slow application performance, and overall system sluggishness, even when physical memory is adequate. Task Manager or Resource Monitor can identify which processes are causing excessive paging, allowing the technician to terminate, update, or optimize them. Adjusting paging file settings, managing startup applications, optimizing memory usage, and updating inefficient software can reduce paging file dependence and improve system responsiveness. Fragmented hard drives affect mechanical storage read/write speed, but do not cause persistent virtual memory overuse. Weak Wi-Fi signals impact network activity but do not influence local memory management. Outdated graphics drivers affect rendering performance but not paging file usage. Addressing excessive paging file use restores system responsiveness, reduces disk I/O congestion, improves multitasking performance, ensures efficient memory utilization, enhances productivity, and allows multiple applications to run efficiently without causing performance degradation, thereby providing a stable and reliable computing experience while prolonging storage lifespan and reducing unnecessary wear on the system.
Question 206
A Windows 10 user reports that the system freezes intermittently while multitasking, and Task Manager shows one background process consuming nearly all CPU resources, while memory and storage usage remain normal. What is the most likely cause?
A) Misbehaving background process or service
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Misbehaving background process or service
Explanation:
Answer: A) Misbehaving background process or service is correct because Windows 10 runs numerous background tasks, including Windows Update, antivirus scans, telemetry, indexing, and maintenance tasks, and if any of these processes enter an abnormal state, they can consume disproportionate CPU resources without significantly affecting memory or storage, causing the system to become unresponsive during multitasking. This situation is often caused by inefficient code, software bugs, memory leaks, or conflicts between services that continuously demand CPU cycles without releasing control, preventing other applications from operating smoothly. Diagnosing this issue requires using Task Manager, Resource Monitor, or Performance Monitor to identify the specific process causing high CPU usage and evaluating its impact on system performance. Once identified, the technician can terminate, disable, reschedule, or update the problematic process to restore CPU availability for other tasks. Fragmented hard drives primarily affect read/write performance and are unlikely to monopolize CPU cycles. Weak Wi-Fi signals impact network-dependent activities but do not cause sustained CPU usage for local processes. Outdated graphics drivers affect display rendering and visual performance but do not trigger background CPU spikes. Addressing the misbehaving service improves multitasking responsiveness, restores system stability, reduces frustration caused by unresponsive applications, minimizes processor strain, prevents thermal stress from prolonged high CPU utilization, and allows Windows 10 to allocate resources efficiently. This results in a more reliable and productive computing environment, ensuring that users can run multiple applications smoothly without experiencing repeated freezes, system lag, or other performance-related interruptions while also extending hardware longevity.
Question 207
A company wants to ensure only approved applications can run on Windows 10 laptops to prevent malware infections and unauthorized installations. Which feature provides the most effective solution?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is correct because it allows IT administrators to define rules that specify which applications, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged apps can run on Windows 10 devices, effectively preventing unapproved or potentially harmful software from executing while allowing authorized applications to function normally. These rules can be based on file attributes such as digital signatures, file paths, or cryptographic hashes, and can be deployed locally on individual machines or centrally through Group Policy for consistent enforcement across an organization. AppLocker also provides an audit mode, which enables administrators to simulate rules and review their impact before enforcement, reducing the risk of inadvertently blocking legitimate applications. Disk Cleanup only removes temporary files and system cache data, which does not control application execution. Task Scheduler automates scheduled tasks but does not restrict which applications are allowed to run. Event Viewer logs system and application events, but cannot prevent unauthorized software from executing. Implementing AppLocker ensures endpoint security by limiting applications to those approved by IT, reducing the risk of malware, enforcing corporate compliance, maintaining operational consistency, minimizing administrative overhead, and providing a controlled computing environment where users cannot bypass security measures. This feature protects organizational resources, enhances productivity by preventing interference from unapproved applications, ensures compliance with internal policies, reduces the likelihood of data breaches, and allows IT administrators to maintain reliable control over the software ecosystem on all corporate devices, which is essential for security and regulatory compliance.
Question 208
A Windows 10 laptop frequently shuts down unexpectedly during high CPU workloads, and monitoring shows the CPU temperature exceeding safe limits while memory and storage remain normal. What is the most likely cause, and what corrective action should be taken?
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 significant issue that can compromise the stability, performance, and longevity of a laptop or desktop system. Modern processors, particularly those designed for high-performance workloads such as gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or running multiple demanding applications, generate substantial heat during operation. The cooling system in a laptop—which typically includes fans, heat sinks, thermal paste, and carefully designed airflow channels—is responsible for dissipating this heat to maintain safe operating temperatures. When any part of this system is compromised, such as through dust accumulation, degraded thermal paste, or failing fans, the CPU can reach temperatures beyond its thermal threshold. Windows and other operating systems are designed to protect the processor by triggering automatic shutdowns when these limits are exceeded. This preventive measure ensures the CPU is not damaged permanently, but it also results in unexpected system shutdowns that interrupt productivity.
The presence of normal memory and storage usage alongside these shutdowns indicates that the issue is thermal rather than resource-related. This distinction is important because it allows technicians to focus troubleshooting efforts on cooling rather than on RAM allocation, paging file management, or storage optimization. Diagnosing CPU overheating requires both software and hardware inspection. Temperature-monitoring utilities, such as Core Temp, HWMonitor, or the built-in BIOS/UEFI monitoring tools, allow technicians to measure real-time CPU temperatures and identify when the processor exceeds safe operating limits. Physical inspection of cooling components is also necessary. Fans and vents must be checked for dust or debris that could obstruct airflow, heat sinks should be verified for proper seating, and any mechanical or electrical failures in fans must be identified. Ensuring unobstructed airflow throughout the laptop chassis is critical because even high-quality cooling components cannot function effectively if hot air cannot exit or cool air cannot enter the system.
Corrective measures focus on restoring effective heat dissipation. Cleaning dust from fans, vents, and heat sinks removes physical obstructions that impede airflow. Reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink improves thermal conductivity, ensuring that heat generated by the processor is efficiently transferred to the heat sink and ultimately expelled from the system. Verifying that all fans are operational and maintaining proper speed and airflow ensures that the cooling system can respond to periods of high thermal output effectively. In some cases, upgrading cooling components or improving chassis airflow may be recommended for laptops consistently exposed to heavy workloads.
It is important to differentiate CPU overheating from other system issues that may appear similar but do not involve thermal failure. Fragmented hard drives may slow file read/write operations and reduce overall system responsiveness, but cannot directly cause the processor to overheat or trigger thermal shutdowns. Outdated graphics drivers affect rendering and visual performance, and while they may cause application instability, they do not significantly influence CPU temperatures. Weak Wi-Fi signals interfere with network connectivity and online tasks but are unrelated to processor thermal conditions. By focusing on the cooling system, technicians address the root cause of thermal shutdowns rather than pursuing unrelated fixes that would fail to resolve the problem.
Resolving CPU overheating provides multiple tangible benefits. Restoring proper cooling prevents unexpected system shutdowns, ensuring reliable operation during intensive tasks and improving user productivity. Maintaining safe CPU temperatures extends the lifespan of the processor and other internal components, reducing the risk of heat-related degradation over time. Effective thermal management also prevents thermal throttling, in which the CPU automatically reduces clock speeds to limit heat generation, preserving consistent performance under demanding workloads. Reduced heat generation protects other components, minimizes fan wear, and improves overall system stability. Users also experience less frustration and interruption, as the system can complete heavy computational tasks without sudden shutdowns or performance degradation.
CPU overheating due to inadequate cooling is a primary cause of unexpected shutdowns in laptops and desktops under heavy workloads. Diagnosing the problem involves monitoring temperatures, inspecting fans, vents, and heat sinks, and ensuring proper airflow throughout the chassis. Corrective actions such as cleaning dust, reapplying thermal paste, and verifying fan operation restore safe thermal management. Unlike issues caused by fragmented drives, outdated graphics drivers, or weak Wi-Fi signals, overheating directly affects CPU stability and can lead to system shutdowns if unresolved. By addressing overheating, technicians restore system reliability, prevent interruptions, extend hardware lifespan, maintain consistent performance, reduce long-term component wear, and enhance the overall user experience. Proper maintenance of the cooling system ensures laptops operate safely under demanding tasks, protects components from heat-induced damage, and minimizes the risk of future thermal failures.
Question 209
A company wants to centrally manage Windows 10 laptops to track lost or stolen devices, remotely lock them, and erase corporate data if necessary. Which solution provides the most effective management?
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 comprehensive solution for managing, securing, and monitoring Windows 10 laptops in organizational environments, particularly those with a distributed or mobile workforce. The increasing reliance on portable devices in modern workplaces has made endpoint management a critical component of IT security and operational continuity. Unlike traditional local management tools, MDM provides a centralized platform that allows IT administrators to maintain control over devices regardless of their physical location, ensuring that corporate policies, security standards, and operational requirements are consistently enforced across all endpoints. By integrating with Windows 10, MDM solutions extend beyond simple device configuration and into advanced monitoring, security enforcement, and compliance management, offering capabilities that are essential for protecting sensitive corporate information in environments where laptops and other portable devices are frequently used outside of controlled office settings.
One of the primary advantages of MDM is its ability to locate and manage devices remotely. In the event of a lost or stolen laptop, administrators can track the device’s physical location using GPS or network-based tracking technologies integrated into the MDM platform. This capability not only aids in recovering lost assets but also allows organizations to assess the risk associated with potential unauthorized access. In cases where the device cannot be recovered, MDM enables remote locking, which immediately restricts access to the system, preventing unauthorized users from gaining entry to sensitive corporate resources. Furthermore, MDM allows for selective or complete data wipes. A selective wipe removes corporate data while leaving personal files intact, which is particularly useful in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments, whereas a full wipe ensures that all data is removed from the device, protecting proprietary information from potential exposure. These remote management capabilities significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and help organizations maintain control over sensitive information even when physical access to the device is not possible.
MDM solutions integrate seamlessly with Windows 10 to enforce security and operational policies across all enrolled devices. Administrators can deploy standardized security configurations, such as password policies, encryption requirements, firewall settings, and antivirus management, ensuring that all endpoints adhere to organizational security standards. Regular software updates, including operating system patches and application updates, can be automatically distributed and installed through the MDM platform, reducing vulnerabilities that might otherwise be exploited by attackers. Configuration of system settings can also be managed centrally, enabling administrators to control device behavior, restrict access to unauthorized applications, and enforce operational rules consistently. By consolidating these functions into a single management framework, MDM reduces administrative overhead, minimizes the likelihood of misconfiguration, and ensures that endpoints remain compliant with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
While tools such as Disk Defragmentation, Local Group Policy, and Task Scheduler offer specific functionalities, they do not provide the holistic, centralized management that MDM delivers. Disk Defragmentation improves storage efficiency on mechanical drives by optimizing file placement, but it has no impact on device tracking, security enforcement, or data protection. Local Group Policy allows administrators to configure security and operational settings on individual devices or within a local network domain, but it cannot remotely track, lock, or wipe laptops in the field. Task Scheduler automates repetitive tasks locally, such as running scripts or maintenance programs, yet it does not provide centralized oversight, monitoring, or security controls across multiple endpoints. MDM uniquely combines these capabilities with remote management, monitoring, and compliance enforcement, making it the most effective solution for organizational device management.
Implementing MDM also supports operational continuity and productivity. By ensuring that devices are secure, compliant, and up to date, organizations reduce the likelihood of downtime caused by malware infections, misconfigurations, or unauthorized software installations. Users can work remotely or in distributed environments without compromising security, knowing that IT administrators maintain oversight of their devices. Centralized management enables rapid response to incidents, such as compromised accounts or lost devices, minimizing the operational impact and preserving the integrity of corporate data. MDM platforms also often provide auditing and reporting features, allowing organizations to document compliance and track device status, which is crucial for regulatory requirements and internal governance.
In addition to improving security and compliance, MDM enhances IT efficiency. Administrators can perform bulk actions across multiple devices simultaneously, such as pushing updates, configuring policies, or enforcing encryption standards, reducing manual intervention and streamlining IT workflows. This centralized approach ensures that all devices receive consistent configurations and security protections, reducing the risk of human error or inconsistent policy application. By integrating monitoring capabilities, MDM also allows IT teams to proactively identify potential issues, such as noncompliant devices, outdated software, or performance anomalies, enabling preventative measures before problems escalate into operational or security incidents.
Mobile Device Management is the correct and most effective solution for organizations seeking to manage Windows 10 laptops securely and efficiently. By providing centralized administration, monitoring, and security enforcement, MDM enables IT administrators to track, lock, and wipe devices remotely, deploy updates and policies, and maintain compliance across a distributed workforce. Unlike Disk Defragmentation, Local Group Policy, or Task Scheduler, which address isolated functions without centralized control, MDM provides a holistic platform that combines security, operational oversight, and policy enforcement. Implementing MDM ensures corporate data remains secure, regulatory compliance is maintained, incidents can be addressed promptly, and devices remain manageable and reliable. This approach strengthens IT security posture, enhances endpoint protection, minimizes the risk of data breaches, improves operational continuity, supports user productivity, and ensures consistent, safe device operation across the organization, making MDM an essential component of modern enterprise IT management.
Question 210
A Windows 10 laptop shows rapid battery drain, overheating, and high CPU usage from multiple background processes while idle. What is the most effective first step to resolve this 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 in Windows 10 is a critical step in maintaining system performance, energy efficiency, and long-term hardware stability, particularly on laptops where battery life and thermal management are essential. Modern Windows operating systems are designed to perform a wide range of background tasks to ensure functionality, security, and user convenience. These include telemetry services that collect diagnostic and usage data, indexing services that maintain searchable catalogs of files, cloud synchronization tasks such as OneDrive or Google Drive that keep local files in sync with the cloud, automatic Windows updates and third-party software updates, and routine maintenance tasks that optimize system health. While many of these processes are necessary for normal operation, they can consume significant CPU cycles continuously. Excessive CPU usage from background processes prevents the processor from entering low-power idle states, generates unnecessary heat, and can cause rapid battery depletion in mobile devices, leading to degraded system performance, reduced responsiveness, and increased wear on hardware components over time.
Cloud synchronization services, for instance, constantly monitor local file changes and transmit updates to remote storage. This requires CPU and memory resources for encryption, data transfer, and file comparisons. Telemetry and diagnostic services similarly require ongoing CPU cycles to gather system usage information and report it to Microsoft for performance analysis or error detection. Indexing services scan and catalog files for faster search results, which involves continuous disk and CPU usage. Windows Update and automatic application updates periodically check for, download, and install patches or new versions, which can temporarily increase system load. When multiple processes run simultaneously, the cumulative impact can prevent the CPU from reducing power usage, creating thermal stress and unnecessary energy consumption, which can shorten battery runtime and reduce device efficiency.
Effectively managing background processes requires monitoring system activity. Tools such as Task Manager and Resource Monitor are essential for identifying processes that consume disproportionate CPU or memory resources. Task Manager provides a high-level overview of resource utilization per process, including CPU, memory, disk, and network usage, enabling technicians to detect processes that may be unnecessarily taxing the system. Resource Monitor provides more detailed insight into memory allocation, page faults, I/O activity, and network usage, allowing technicians to identify processes that continuously consume resources without providing immediate user benefit. By analyzing these metrics, technicians can distinguish between essential system functions and processes that can be safely disabled, terminated, or rescheduled.
Once resource-heavy background processes are identified, multiple corrective actions can be taken. Unnecessary processes can be terminated temporarily or disabled permanently through Task Manager or system configuration tools such as Services.msc or the Startup tab in Windows Settings. Some tasks can be rescheduled to run during periods of low activity or when the laptop is plugged in to reduce their impact on battery life and thermal load. For example, antivirus scans, system updates, or cloud sync operations can be configured to execute overnight or during maintenance windows. Adjusting settings for telemetry, indexing, or synchronization services can reduce their frequency or limit their resource consumption without compromising critical functionality. This targeted management ensures that system resources are allocated efficiently, reducing heat production, conserving battery power, and improving overall responsiveness.
It is important to note that managing background processes addresses the root cause of performance degradation, unlike hardware replacements or unrelated system optimizations. Simply replacing the battery in a laptop experiencing rapid power depletion may temporarily extend runtime, but it does not resolve the underlying issue of excessive CPU usage caused by background tasks. Running Disk Defragmenter improves access speed on mechanical drives, but it does not reduce CPU load or energy consumption. Updating graphics drivers enhances visual performance but does not mitigate CPU usage from unrelated processes. Only by controlling background activity can the system achieve sustained improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and thermal management.
Properly managing background processes offers multiple long-term benefits. Reducing CPU utilization decreases heat output, which protects critical components such as the CPU, motherboard, and cooling fans from thermal stress. This prolongs hardware lifespan and maintains stable operation under heavy workloads. Lower CPU usage also reduces energy consumption, extending battery life and minimizing the need for frequent charging cycles, which is particularly important for mobile users. Optimized resource allocation improves system responsiveness, allowing applications to launch quickly, switch seamlessly, and handle multitasking demands efficiently. Minimizing unnecessary background activity also reduces wear on storage devices and other components, lowering the likelihood of premature hardware failure.
In addition to improving performance and efficiency, controlling background processes enhances the user experience. Laptops and desktops operate more predictably, with fewer delays, freezes, or unresponsiveness caused by excessive CPU activity. Users benefit from smooth multitasking and consistent performance even when multiple applications are active. Proper management ensures that critical system processes continue to function while non-essential or redundant tasks are curtailed, maintaining system stability without negatively impacting usability. This careful balance maximizes the benefits of background services while preventing their unintended consequences from degrading performance or reducing battery life.
Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes in Windows 10 is essential for optimizing performance, energy efficiency, thermal management, and hardware longevity. Monitoring tools such as Task Manager and Resource Monitor allow technicians to detect processes that consume excessive CPU or memory resources. By terminating, disabling, or rescheduling these tasks, technicians reduce heat generation, extend battery life, improve system responsiveness, minimize wear on hardware components, and enhance overall user experience. Unlike temporary hardware fixes or unrelated system optimizations, proper background process management addresses the root causes of performance issues, ensuring laptops and desktops operate efficiently, maintain stability under typical workloads, and provide a reliable and productive computing environment.