220-1102 Question 2
Single answerWorkstation systems (OSs)A small business is replacing several older Windows 10 workstations. One employee uses a line-of-business application that only runs reliably on Windows 10 Pro and requires joining the company's Active Directory domain. The employee also needs to use BitLocker to protect data on the laptop while traveling. The business wants to avoid paying for unnecessary enterprise-only features. Which operating system edition should the technician recommend for the replacement system?
- A
Windows 10 Home
- B
Windows 10 Pro
- C
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
- D
Windows 10 Enterprise
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The best answer is Windows 10 Pro because it meets all stated requirements: compatibility with the existing Windows 10 Pro application environment, support for Active Directory domain join, and BitLocker device encryption. In A+ Core 2 scenarios, technicians should match the OS edition to the business need rather than selecting the most feature-rich edition. Windows 10 Home is commonly eliminated because it lacks domain join. Windows 10 Enterprise is often technically capable but excessive when the organization does not need advanced enterprise controls. Microsoft documentation distinguishes these editions by management and security capabilities, and domain join plus BitLocker are core reasons organizations choose Pro over Home.
- A. Incorrect.
Windows 10 Home is incorrect because it does not support joining an Active Directory domain, which is a stated requirement. While Home can meet basic consumer needs, it lacks several business-focused features such as domain join and full BitLocker management that are commonly required in managed business environments.
- B. Correct.
Windows 10 Pro is correct because it supports Active Directory domain join and BitLocker, matching the scenario's business requirements without adding unnecessary enterprise licensing. This is the standard choice for many small and midsize business workstations that need centralized management and device encryption.
- C. Incorrect.
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is incorrect because although it includes advanced capabilities for high-end hardware scenarios, such as support for more powerful workstation configurations and features intended for demanding workloads, those benefits are not required here. Choosing it would add complexity or cost without solving an additional business need described in the scenario.
- D. Incorrect.
Windows 10 Enterprise is incorrect because it also supports domain join and BitLocker, but it is typically licensed through volume licensing and includes enterprise-focused features beyond what this user needs. The scenario specifically says the business wants to avoid paying for unnecessary enterprise-only features, making Enterprise more than is required.