220-1102 Question 21
Single answerUpdate limitationsA technician is preparing to upgrade several Windows PCs in a small office to a newer feature update. One older workstation repeatedly fails the update check, even though it has enough free disk space and a stable internet connection. The technician discovers the PC is running a 32-bit edition of Windows 10 on a processor that supports only 32-bit instructions. Which action is the MOST appropriate next step?
- A
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter and retry the feature update
- B
Install the latest cumulative update first, then rerun the feature update
- C
Replace the hardware or keep the system on its current supported version until replacement is possible
- D
Convert the existing 32-bit installation to 64-bit by changing the update channel in Settings
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
This question tests understanding of update limitations caused by hardware compatibility rather than common Windows Update service problems. In A+ Core 2 scenarios, technicians must recognize when an update failure is due to unsupported hardware, not a fixable software issue. Microsoft documents that 64-bit operating systems require a 64-bit-capable processor, and feature updates are also subject to device compatibility checks. Best practice is to confirm system requirements, ensure the current version remains supported with security updates when possible, and recommend replacement when the hardware cannot meet future update requirements.
- A. Incorrect.
This is not the best answer. Windows Update Troubleshooter can help resolve common update service or cache issues, but it cannot overcome a hardware architecture limitation. If the processor supports only 32-bit instructions, the system cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit-only operating system or feature release that requires unsupported architecture.
- B. Incorrect.
This is plausible but incorrect. Installing the latest cumulative update can help in cases where prerequisite servicing updates are missing, but it does not solve a CPU architecture limitation. The issue in this scenario is not patch level, storage, or connectivity; it is unsupported hardware capability.
- C. Correct.
This is correct. A hardware architecture limitation prevents the system from moving to software that requires capabilities the processor does not have. In a real support scenario, the technician should verify the target version's hardware requirements, keep the device on the latest supported version it can run, or plan for hardware replacement if continued upgrades are required.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Windows does not support an in-place conversion from 32-bit to 64-bit simply by changing an update setting or channel. Moving from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows requires compatible 64-bit hardware and a clean installation. In this scenario, the CPU itself supports only 32-bit instructions, so even a clean install of 64-bit Windows would not be possible.