CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 7 Q91-105
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Question 91
A Windows 10 user reports that their system frequently freezes and displays high CPU usage in Task Manager, even when only basic applications are running. The user recently installed several new software programs. Which is the most likely cause of the issue?
A) Background processes from newly installed software are consuming CPU
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated display driver
Answer: A) Background processes from newly installed software are consuming CPU
Explanation:
Answer: A) Background processes from newly installed software consuming CPU is correct because when users install new applications, many programs automatically run background services or processes that continue to execute even when the main application is not actively being used, and these processes can consume significant CPU resources, memory, or disk I/O, leading to system freezes, sluggishness, or high CPU utilization observable in Task Manager, even when only minimal visible applications are running. New software often includes background updaters, telemetry, cloud synchronization tools, indexing services, and auxiliary services that maintain application functionality, monitor activity, or update content automatically. If these processes are poorly optimized or conflicting with existing software, they can monopolize CPU cycles and memory, preventing the system from efficiently allocating resources to other tasks, thereby degrading performance. Task Manager provides visibility into which processes are consuming the most resources, and technicians can identify offending applications by monitoring CPU, memory, disk, and network usage over time. Resolving the issue typically involves disabling unnecessary background services, configuring software to limit background activity, updating applications to the latest versions with performance optimizations, or uninstalling software that causes conflicts. Fragmented hard drives, while potentially affecting read/write performance on HDDs, do not directly lead to persistent high CPU usage or system freezes caused by active software processes. Weak Wi-Fi signals may impact network-dependent applications, but they do not cause high CPU usage or system-wide freezes during offline activity. Outdated display drivers may produce graphical artifacts, crashes, or errors in applications that rely on GPU acceleration, but they would not generally result in sustained high CPU usage from background processes. Therefore, the most direct explanation for the symptoms described—high CPU usage, freezes, and sluggish performance after installing new software—is background processes consuming system resources, and addressing these processes restores system responsiveness, reduces CPU load, and prevents further instability.
Question 92
A user wants to run an old business application that is incompatible with Windows 10. The software previously worked on Windows 7. Which feature should the technician use to allow the program to run successfully?
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 applications designed for older environments to function correctly by adjusting system settings such as OS version emulation, display scaling, user permissions, and color depth, ensuring that legacy software operates reliably without requiring code modifications or other workarounds. Compatibility Mode can be applied via the program properties dialog, allowing users to select a previous Windows version for the application to run under and optionally enable settings like running the program as an administrator, reduced color modes, or DPI adjustments for applications expecting older display handling. The feature also includes a troubleshooting wizard that can automatically detect common compatibility problems and recommend settings for proper functionality. Device Manager is used for managing hardware and drivers, but it does not affect application compatibility. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files and frees storage space, but does not alter how applications interact with the operating system. Windows Update delivers system patches and updates, but does not provide an emulation environment for legacy programs. Compatibility Mode, therefore, provides the most direct and reliable solution for running older software on modern Windows 10 systems, ensuring functionality while preserving system stability and security.
Question 93
A technician is configuring a company laptop to prevent unauthorized software installation and restrict execution to approved applications only. Which Windows feature provides this capability?
A) AppLocker
B) Windows Defender Firewall
C) Disk Management
D) File History
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is correct because it allows administrators to create rules that control which executables, scripts, Windows Installer files, and packaged apps are permitted to run, providing a mechanism to enforce software policies and prevent unauthorized application execution on Windows devices, thereby improving security and compliance. Rules in AppLocker can be configured based on file attributes such as publisher, path, or file hash, allowing for granular control over allowed software, and can be deployed locally or via Group Policy across multiple machines in an enterprise environment. AppLocker supports various rule types, including executable, script, Windows Installer, and packaged app rules, providing flexibility for different software deployment scenarios, and includes an audit mode to test rules before full enforcement, reducing the risk of inadvertently blocking critical applications. Windows Defender Firewall controls network traffic but does not restrict software execution locally. Disk Management is used for storage administration, including creating partitions, assigning drive letters, and formatting disks, but it does not enforce software policies. File History is a backup solution that preserves versions of user files and does not manage application execution. AppLocker directly addresses the requirement of restricting software execution to approved applications, preventing unauthorized installations, and enhancing endpoint security, making it the appropriate solution for managing application control in a corporate environment.
Question 94
A Windows 10 user reports that their system frequently freezes, and Event Viewer logs indicate repeated application errors linked to a recently installed program. The technician wants to determine the system’s stability and correlate the crashes with specific software. Which tool should the technician use?
A) Reliability Monitor
B) Task Manager
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Windows Update
Answer: A) Reliability Monitor
Explanation:
Answer: A) Reliability Monitor is correct because it provides a chronological view of system stability, logging application and hardware failures, Windows errors, and other critical events, and it calculates a stability index that allows technicians to track system reliability over time and correlate crashes with specific applications or system changes, such as software installations. Reliability Monitor records the dates and types of errors, identifies faulting applications, modules, and exception codes, and links them to corresponding stability events, helping technicians diagnose patterns of system instability. By reviewing the timeline, the technician can see whether crashes began after installing a particular program, confirming whether it is the likely cause. Task Manager shows real-time resource usage but does not provide historical logs of system stability or crashes. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files but does not aid in diagnosing application errors or system reliability issues. Windows Update applies system and security updates, but does not provide detailed error analysis or historical crash tracking. Reliability Monitor, therefore, is the most effective tool for assessing system stability, identifying problematic applications, and guiding corrective actions such as uninstalling or updating software to restore reliability.
Question 95
A company wants to manage laptops assigned to employees so that if a device is lost or stolen, it can be remotely tracked, locked, and wiped. 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 provides a centralized framework for managing, securing, and tracking portable devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones remotely, offering capabilities such as GPS-based device tracking, remote lock, selective or full data wipe, deployment of updates, configuration of security policies, and enforcement of encryption, enabling IT administrators to protect corporate data and respond effectively to lost or stolen devices. MDM solutions integrate with Windows 10 to allow administrators to enforce compliance with organizational policies, remotely monitor device status, deploy applications, enforce password complexity, and remotely lock or wipe devices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Disk Defragmentation optimizes storage performance but does not provide tracking or remote management. Local Group Policy allows configuration of security and operational settings on a device or domain, but cannot track or remotely wipe devices. Task Scheduler automates tasks and scripts locally but does not provide centralized security, tracking, or remote control capabilities. MDM is therefore the comprehensive solution for ensuring corporate laptops can be managed, secured, and recovered in case of loss or theft, making it the correct choice for organizations concerned with device security and data protection.
Question 96
A user reports that their Windows 10 laptop battery drains unusually fast, even when the device is idle. Task Manager shows multiple background processes consuming significant CPU and memory resources. Which action should the technician take to resolve the issue?
A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Reinstall Windows 10
D) Upgrade the display driver
Answer: A) Identify and disable unnecessary background processes
Explanation:
Answer: A) Identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is correct because modern Windows systems run numerous background services, application updaters, indexing services, cloud synchronization tools, telemetry tasks, and other auxiliary processes that can consume CPU, memory, and disk resources even when the user is not actively interacting with the device, and when these processes operate inefficiently or excessively, they can cause rapid battery drain and heat generation, particularly on laptops, by preventing the system from entering low-power states and forcing the processor to remain active. Task Manager and Resource Monitor allow the technician to analyze which processes consume the most resources, determine whether they are essential for system operation, and configure them to run less frequently, only on demand, or be disabled entirely. Addressing these background processes reduces CPU load, minimizes unnecessary battery consumption, and lowers system temperature, improving overall system performance and energy efficiency. Replacing the battery without addressing the underlying cause may temporarily restore runtime, but will not prevent ongoing CPU-intensive background tasks from continuing to drain power. Reinstalling Windows 10 is an extreme solution that may resolve the issue indirectly but does not specifically target the processes causing high CPU usage and could be time-consuming, requiring backup and reconfiguration. Upgrading the display driver addresses graphical performance and display-related issues but does not impact CPU consumption by unrelated background tasks. Therefore, identifying and disabling unnecessary background processes is the most effective and direct approach to restoring battery efficiency, reducing heat, and optimizing performance for the laptop.
Question 97
A Windows 10 user reports that their system frequently crashes with blue screen errors immediately after installing a new graphics card. Which is the most likely cause of the problem?
A) Incompatible or outdated graphics driver
B) Faulty RAM
C) Fragmented hard drive
D) Weak Wi-Fi signal
Answer: A) Incompatible or outdated graphics driver
Explanation:
Answer: A) An incompatible or outdated graphics driver is correct because the graphics driver functions as the software interface between the Windows operating system and the graphics hardware, and if the driver is not compatible with the specific GPU model or the installed version of Windows 10, or if it is corrupted, it can result in kernel-level failures leading to blue screen errors, especially during system startup or when graphics-intensive applications are launched, as the operating system cannot properly communicate with the graphics card, causing instability and crashes. Technicians can resolve the issue by booting into Safe Mode, uninstalling the problematic driver, and installing a manufacturer-approved, up-to-date driver that is verified for the system’s operating system version. Faulty RAM typically produces memory errors, application crashes, or random freezes, but it is not directly correlated with the installation of a new graphics card and repeated graphics-related blue screens. Fragmented hard drives can slow data access, but do not directly cause kernel-level crashes. Weak Wi-Fi signals affect network connectivity and would not result in blue screen errors linked to graphics operations. The fact that the blue screen errors began immediately after installing the graphics card strongly indicates that the driver responsible for managing the GPU is the source of instability, making updating or replacing the driver the correct and most effective action to restore system stability.
Question 98
A technician is tasked with ensuring that Windows 10 workstations in a small office are configured to prevent users from installing unauthorized software and that only approved applications can run. Which solution should the technician implement?
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 framework to create rules controlling which executable files, scripts, Windows Installer packages, and packaged apps can be executed on a Windows machine, allowing only approved applications to run and preventing installation or execution of unauthorized software, which is critical for enforcing organizational security policies and ensuring compliance. AppLocker rules can be defined based on file attributes such as digital signatures, file paths, or hashes, and can be applied locally or via Group Policy in a domain environment for centralized control, providing flexibility for different deployment scenarios. The tool includes an audit mode that allows administrators to simulate rules before full enforcement to avoid inadvertently blocking critical applications, ensuring a smooth transition to a controlled software environment. Disk Cleanup frees storage by removing temporary files and system caches, but does not regulate which programs can run. Task Scheduler automates the execution of tasks and scripts, but does not restrict software execution. Event Viewer monitors system and application eventss but provides no capability for enforcing software policies. AppLocker, therefore, directly addresses the requirement to control which applications can execute and prevent unauthorized installations, making it the appropriate solution for securing Windows workstations.
Question 99
A Windows 10 user reports that their system is running extremely slowly, applications are taking a long time to launch, and some system files appear to be missing or corrupted. The system has not been updated in several months. Which is the best first step for troubleshooting the issue?
A) Run System File Checker (SFC)
B) Defragment the hard drive
C) Update the display driver
D) Clear temporary files using Disk Cleanup
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 missing or corrupted files, and automatically repair or replace them using a cached copy stored in the Windows component store, directly addressing issues that cause slow system performance, application errors, and stability problems due to missing or corrupt system files. SFC provides detailed logs indicating which files were repaired or could not be fixed, allowing technicians to take further action if required. Running SFC is a non-destructive diagnostic step that preserves user data while resolving underlying file integrity issues that may have accumulated over time due to failed updates, improper shutdowns, or software installation failures. Defragmenting the hard drive can improve file access performance on mechanical drives, but does not repair system files or address errors caused by corrupted files. Updating the display driver improves graphical performance but does not restore missing or corrupted system files or address slow application launch times unrelated to graphics. Clearing temporary files using Disk Cleanup helps free storage space but does not repair critical system files. Therefore, running System File Checker is the most effective first step in troubleshooting slow performance and system errors caused by missing or corrupted Windows system files, ensuring that the operating system is stable and functional.
Question 100
A company wants to ensure that laptops assigned to employees can be tracked if lost, remotely locked, and 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 allows organizations to centrally manage, monitor, and secure portable devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, providing features such as GPS-based tracking, remote locking, selective or full data wipe, deployment of applications, and enforcement of security policies, enabling IT administrators to protect corporate data and respond effectively to lost or stolen devices. MDM integrates with Windows 10 to ensure compliance with organizational policies, allowing administrators to remotely track devices, lock them to prevent unauthorized access, enforce encryption, deploy updates, and perform remote wipes of sensitive data, which is crucial for protecting company information and maintaining regulatory compliance. Disk Defragmentation improves storage performance but does not provide tracking or remote security features. Local Group Policy allows enforcement of security and operational settings but does not enable remote management or tracking. Task Scheduler automates task execution locally but does not provide remote security or device management. MDM is therefore the comprehensive solution for ensuring that corporate laptops can be monitored, secured, and remotely controlled in case of loss or theft, making it the correct choice for organizations concerned with endpoint security and data protection.
Question 101
A user reports that their Windows 10 computer becomes extremely slow when multiple applications are open, even though the system has sufficient RAM and CPU resources. Task Manager shows unusually high memory usage that does not decrease after closing applications. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
A) Memory leak in one or more applications
B) Fragmented hard drive
C) Weak Wi-Fi signal
D) Outdated graphics driver
Answer: A) Memory leak in one or more applications
Explanation:
Answer: A) Memory leak in one or more applications is correct because a memory leak occurs when a program allocates memory for its operations but fails to release it after the task is completed, causing the allocated memory to remain occupied even after the program closes or completes the task, which progressively consumes available RAM, forcing the operating system to rely on virtual memory, resulting in slow performance and unresponsiveness over time; this behavior is consistent with the user observing high memory usage in Task Manager that persists even after applications are closed, as the operating system cannot reclaim the memory from the faulty application(s) and the system becomes increasingly sluggish as more processes consume memory. Memory leaks can originate from poorly coded applications, background processes that continue to allocate resources unnecessarily, or software updates that introduce bugs affecting memory management. Tools such as Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor, and Task Manager allow technicians to identify the offending processes by monitoring memory allocation trends and determining which applications or services are not releasing memory properly. Once identified, the technician can resolve the issue by updating the software, uninstalling the problematic application, applying vendor-provided patches, or, in some cases, using scripts to automate memory release or restart services. Fragmented hard drives may impact disk read/write performance, but would not cause sustained high memory usage. Weak Wi-Fi signals can slow network-dependent tasks, but do not lead to persistent memory consumption. Outdated graphics drivers may affect visual performance, but do not typically cause non-graphical applications to retain memory. Therefore, a memory leak is the most plausible explanation for prolonged high memory usage and system slowdowns despite adequate hardware resources, and addressing the source of the memory leak is essential for restoring performance and system stability.
Question 102
A Windows 10 user reports that their system freezes intermittently, and Event Viewer logs indicate repeated application crashes linked to a newly installed program. Which tool is best suited to track system stability over time and correlate the errors with specific applications?
A) Reliability Monitor
B) Task Manager
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Windows Update
Answer: A) Reliability Monitor
Explanation:
Answer: A) Reliability Monitor is correct because it provides a chronological record of system events, including application failures, hardware errors, and Windows errors, and calculates a stability index that enables technicians to track system stability over time, correlate crashes with recently installed software, and determine patterns or recurring failures; by analyzing the timeline of errors and the applications involved, a technician can identify the root cause of system instability, such as a faulty update, driver, or third-party program, and take corrective actions to restore reliability. Reliability Monitor also provides detailed reports on the nature of each failure, including faulting application names, modules, and exception codes, allowing for precise troubleshooting without the need to rely solely on real-time monitoring. Task Manager shows active processes and resource usage, but does not maintain historical logs of application crashes or system stability. Disk Cleanup improves storage availability but provides no diagnostic information. Windows Update installs patches but does not analyze stability or correlate errors to specific applications. By using Reliability Monitor, technicians can determine whether the newly installed program is the direct cause of recurring freezes and crashes, allowing informed decisions such as uninstalling the program, applying updates, or configuring compatibility settings to restore stable operation of the system over time.
Question 103
A technician is configuring Windows 10 laptops for a business that requires users to access only approved applications and prevent the installation of unauthorized software. Which feature provides this capability?
A) AppLocker
B) Disk Management
C) Task Scheduler
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) AppLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) AppLocker is a powerful Windows security feature designed to provide administrators with granular control over which applications can run on a Windows device. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized software installation and execution, thereby enhancing system security, enforcing corporate policies, and reducing the risk of malware or other malicious applications compromising the environment. AppLocker achieves this by allowing administrators to define rules for executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, and packaged applications, ensuring that only trusted and approved software is permitted to execute on managed devices. This capability is particularly valuable in enterprise environments where multiple users have access to workstations and where software control is essential to maintaining operational integrity, security compliance, and regulatory adherence.
The flexibility of AppLocker lies in the variety of criteria it provides for rule creation. Administrators can define rules based on the publisher of a software package, which allows them to trust software signed by a recognized vendor while blocking unsigned or untrusted applications. Rules can also be based on the file path, permitting execution only for applications stored in specific directories, or on the file hash, which ensures that only a specific version of a file can run. This level of precision is critical for environments where even minor deviations from approved software configurations could introduce security vulnerabilities or disrupt business operations. By controlling software execution at the file level, AppLocker reduces the likelihood that malicious code will execute and spread throughout an organization’s network.
Another important feature of AppLocker is its integration with Group Policy, which enables administrators to apply rules consistently across multiple devices in an enterprise. This centralized management ensures that application control policies are enforced uniformly, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing the risk of misconfigurations on individual devices. Furthermore, AppLocker supports audit mode, which allows administrators to monitor the effects of proposed rules before enforcing them. In audit mode, AppLocker records events when unapproved applications attempt to run, without actually blocking them. This provides valuable insight into how rules will impact users and applications, allowing administrators to refine policies, avoid false positives, and ensure that legitimate applications are not inadvertently blocked. This testing capability is particularly important in large organizations with complex software environments, where overly restrictive rules could otherwise disrupt productivity.
In contrast, other Windows tools offer important functionality but do not directly address the control of application execution. Disk Management, for example, is a utility used to configure storage, manage partitions, and maintain drives. While it is essential for managing the organization’s storage infrastructure, it provides no capability for controlling which software can run on a device. Task Scheduler is another Windows tool that allows administrators to automate tasks such as running scripts or performing system maintenance at specific times. Although Task Scheduler enhances operational efficiency, it does not prevent unauthorized applications from executing or enforce compliance with security policies. Similarly, Event Viewer provides detailed logs of system and application events, allowing administrators to monitor for errors or unusual activity. While these logs are valuable for diagnosing issues and auditing system behavior, Event Viewer cannot enforce application control or prevent software from running.
AppLocker’s targeted approach to application control directly addresses the need for security and policy enforcement in Windows environments. By allowing administrators to specify precisely which software is authorized to execute, it reduces the risk of malware infection, prevents users from installing unauthorized applications, and ensures compliance with corporate security policies. This capability is especially important in industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and government, where unapproved software could compromise sensitive data or violate legal standards. AppLocker provides a proactive approach to endpoint security, enabling administrators to enforce rules before security breaches occur, rather than responding to incidents after the fact.
The implementation of AppLocker also promotes a balance between security and usability. Through its audit mode, administrators can introduce controls gradually, observe the impact on users, and adjust policies as necessary. This reduces resistance from employees and ensures that critical business applications continue to function without interruption. Additionally, because AppLocker integrates seamlessly with Group Policy, organizations can enforce application control policies consistently across hundreds or thousands of devices, significantly reducing administrative effort and the potential for errors associated with manual configuration.
AppLocker is the most direct and effective solution for controlling application execution in Windows 10 environments. It allows administrators to create rules based on publisher, file path, or hash, ensuring that only approved software can run while blocking unauthorized or potentially harmful applications. Its integration with Group Policy enables centralized enforcement across multiple devices, and audit mode allows safe testing of rules before full deployment. In contrast, Disk Management focuses on storage configuration, Task Scheduler automates tasks without restricting application execution, and Event Viewer provides logging but no enforcement capabilities. AppLocker uniquely combines security, compliance, and administrative efficiency, making it the optimal tool for preventing unauthorized software installation, maintaining control over application execution, and ensuring adherence to organizational security policies in enterprise Windows environments.
Question 104
A user reports that their Windows 10 system runs slowly, applications take a long time to start, and occasional errors indicate missing or corrupted system files. The system has not been updated recently. What is the best first step for troubleshooting?
A) Run System File Checker (SFC)
B) Defragment the hard drive
C) Update the display driver
D) Clear temporary files using Disk Cleanup
Answer: A) Run System File Checker (SFC)
Explanation:
Answer: A) Running System File Checker (SFC) is a critical troubleshooting step in maintaining the stability, performance, and reliability of Windows 10. It is a built-in Windows utility designed specifically to scan and verify the integrity of all protected system files. Over time, a Windows installation can accumulate inconsistencies due to incomplete updates, software installations, malware infections, or accidental modification of critical files. These inconsistencies can manifest as slow system performance, frequent application errors, system instability, or unexpected crashes. SFC addresses these issues by systematically examining system files and detecting any that are missing, corrupted, or otherwise altered from their original, expected state. By repairing or replacing these files using cached copies stored in the Windows component store, SFC restores the system’s functionality without affecting user data or installed applications, making it a safe and non-destructive first step in system troubleshooting.
The SFC utility operates by comparing the current state of protected system files with a known good copy stored locally in the Windows component store, typically located in the WinSxS folder. When the utility identifies a discrepancy, it automatically attempts to replace the corrupted or missing file with a clean version. This process directly addresses common causes of system instability, including errors that prevent certain applications from launching, missing DLL files required for program execution, or system processes failing due to file corruption. By repairing these critical components, SFC can improve overall system responsiveness and reduce the frequency of errors, particularly in systems that have not been updated regularly or have experienced extensive software modifications over time. The utility also produces detailed logs that indicate which files were repaired successfully, which were missing, and which could not be fixed. These logs provide valuable diagnostic information for technicians, enabling them to take further corrective actions if necessary, such as performing a repair installation of Windows, applying specific patches, or using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to restore the component store before re-running SFC.
Comparatively, other maintenance and troubleshooting tools in Windows, while useful for their specific purposes, do not address the integrity of system files. For instance, defragmenting the hard drive is a process designed to optimize disk access speed on mechanical hard drives by reorganizing fragmented data, which can improve the efficiency of file retrieval and overall system responsiveness. However, disk defragmentation does not repair corrupted system files, replace missing files, or correct application errors caused by file inconsistencies. Its benefits are limited to improving storage performance and do not extend to resolving errors rooted in system file corruption.
Similarly, updating the display driver addresses issues related to graphics performance, including screen flickering, display artifacts, or application crashes associated with GPU-intensive tasks. While keeping drivers up to date is important for hardware compatibility and performance, updating a display driver does not restore missing or corrupted system files unrelated to the GPU, nor does it correct errors in other system components that may be causing general instability or application errors. Driver updates solve hardware-specific problems but are not a substitute for repairing corrupted core system files, which is the primary function of SFC.
Disk Cleanup is another utility often used for maintaining system performance. It removes temporary files, cached data, and unnecessary system files to free up disk space. While Disk Cleanup can help improve system responsiveness by reducing storage overhead, it does not repair corrupted or missing system files, nor does it address errors in installed applications. Its focus is purely on storage management rather than system integrity, making it complementary to SFC rather than an alternative for resolving system errors caused by file corruption.
Running SFC is also advantageous because it is non-destructive and preserves user data. Unlike a full system restore or repair installation, which may affect installed applications or personal files, SFC targets only the protected system files essential for Windows operation. This ensures that the system’s core functionality is repaired while user settings, documents, and other personal data remain intact. It is an ideal first step in troubleshooting scenarios where users report slow performance, application crashes, or errors linked to missing or corrupted files, as it can often resolve these problems without requiring more invasive procedures.
System File Checker is the best first step for diagnosing and correcting system integrity issues in Windows 10. It scans for missing or corrupted system files, repairs them using cached copies, and generates detailed logs for further analysis, directly addressing the root causes of slow performance and application errors. Tools such as disk defragmentation, display driver updates, and Disk Cleanup, while useful for performance optimization or hardware-specific troubleshooting, do not repair corrupted system files and cannot resolve errors arising from inconsistencies in critical system components. By targeting the integrity of Windows core files in a non-destructive manner, SFC ensures that the operating system remains stable, efficient, and reliable, making it an essential tool for maintaining the health of a Windows 10 system.
Question 105
A company wants to ensure that laptops assigned to employees can be tracked if lost, remotely locked, and wiped to protect sensitive data. 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 a comprehensive solution designed to provide centralized monitoring, management, and security for portable devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Its importance in modern corporate environments cannot be overstated, particularly as organizations increasingly rely on mobile endpoints to enable remote work, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and flexible access to corporate resources. MDM solutions allow IT administrators to enforce security policies, monitor device status, deploy applications, and respond effectively to incidents involving lost or stolen devices, ensuring both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
At its core, MDM provides centralized control over devices, enabling administrators to maintain a high level of visibility and security. Through the MDM console, IT personnel can monitor device status, check compliance with security policies, and assess whether devices have the necessary updates and configurations applied. This centralized approach allows organizations to enforce corporate policies consistently across all endpoints, reducing the risk of misconfiguration or security gaps. For instance, administrators can mandate password complexity, enforce device encryption, restrict access to certain applications or features, and ensure that security patches and updates are applied promptly. By controlling these parameters, MDM significantly reduces the potential attack surface of mobile devices, which are often more vulnerable than fixed workstations due to their mobility and exposure to public networks.
One of the key advantages of MDM is its ability to protect sensitive data in the event of a lost or stolen device. Many MDM solutions include GPS-based tracking capabilities, allowing administrators to locate missing devices in real time. In addition, MDM supports remote lock features that prevent unauthorized access to the device, as well as selective or full data wipe capabilities that allow corporate data to be erased remotely without affecting personal information on BYOD devices. These features are critical for maintaining data confidentiality, especially in industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors. Without MDM, losing a mobile device could result in a significant data breach, potential financial loss, or non-compliance with legal obligations. By contrast, devices managed through MDM can be quickly secured, minimizing risk and providing administrators with tools to respond rapidly to security incidents.
MDM also supports the deployment of software and updates across multiple devices efficiently. Administrators can push applications, configuration settings, and security updates to all managed devices from a central console, eliminating the need for manual installations on each device. This capability ensures that employees have the tools they need while maintaining a consistent security posture across the organization. It also reduces the administrative overhead associated with managing large numbers of mobile endpoints, making IT operations more efficient and scalable. Additionally, MDM can enforce compliance reporting, alerting administrators when devices are out of compliance with corporate policies, such as lacking critical updates or having disabled encryption. This proactive monitoring helps prevent security gaps before they result in breaches or operational disruptions.
When compared to other Windows tools, the unique advantages of MDM become clear. Disk Defragmentation, for example, is a utility designed to optimize the performance of storage drives by reorganizing fragmented data. While useful for improving local system efficiency, it provides no functionality for device tracking, remote locking, or data wiping. Similarly, Local Group Policy allows administrators to configure security and operational settings on individual computers, but it lacks centralized monitoring and remote management capabilities, limiting its effectiveness in a distributed or mobile environment. Task Scheduler automates tasks on local devices, such as running scripts or maintenance tasks at specified intervals, but it does not provide mechanisms for tracking devices, remotely enforcing policies, or securing corporate data. In contrast, MDM integrates these functions in a unified framework, offering both proactive and reactive security measures that extend across all mobile endpoints.
The integration of MDM with Windows 10 enhances its capabilities further, allowing administrators to enforce compliance policies, monitor device health, and manage security settings remotely. MDM solutions can ensure that encryption is enabled, antivirus definitions are current, and system updates are applied, all from a central dashboard. In the case of a device being lost or stolen, administrators can initiate a remote wipe or lock operation to protect sensitive data, a capability that cannot be replicated by Disk Defragmentation, Local Group Policy, or Task Scheduler. Moreover, by providing centralized visibility and control, MDM reduces the risk of human error, such as employees failing to install updates or configure security settings correctly, which is a common cause of security incidents in decentralized environments.
MDM is the comprehensive solution for organizations seeking to secure mobile endpoints, protect sensitive corporate data, and respond rapidly to incidents involving lost or stolen devices. Its combination of centralized monitoring, policy enforcement, application deployment, and remote control distinguishes it from other Windows management tools that focus on local optimization, configuration, or task automation. Disk Defragmentation improves storage performance but offers no security functions. Local Group Policy configures settings locally without centralized oversight, and Task Scheduler automates tasks without providing tracking or data protection. MDM, by contrast, integrates these capabilities in a centralized platform, enabling IT administrators to maintain control over corporate assets, enforce compliance, and ensure that mobile devices are both secure and operational. For organizations with mobile workforces, MDM is essential for safeguarding data, mitigating security risks, and maintaining regulatory compliance, making it the correct solution for managing and protecting laptops, tablets, and smartphones.