220-1102 Question 416
Single answerPotentially unwanted program (PUP)A user reports that their Windows 11 laptop has become noticeably slower over the past week. The browser homepage has changed, search results are being redirected, and pop-up ads appear even when no browser window is open. The user says they recently installed a free PDF converter downloaded from the internet and clicked through the setup using the default options. Antivirus scans do not detect a virus. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the problem?
- A
A potentially unwanted program (PUP) was installed with the PDF converter and added adware/browser modifications
- B
The system firmware is infected, causing low-level redirects that antivirus tools cannot detect
- C
A hardware failure in the SSD is generating pop-up ads and changing browser settings
- D
Windows Update installed an incompatible driver that changed the browser homepage and injected advertisements
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The most likely cause is a potentially unwanted program installed as part of a bundled freeware setup. In real-world support cases, PUPs often arrive when users accept default installation options for free utilities. Common effects include browser hijacking, ad injection, unwanted extensions, altered search settings, startup entries, and reduced system performance. This aligns with A+ Core 2 objectives covering malware symptoms and remediation, including identifying adware and PUP behavior. Best practice is to verify and remove suspicious applications, browser extensions, scheduled tasks, and startup items; reset affected browser settings; update antimalware tools; and educate the user to use custom installation options and trusted download sources. Guidance from Microsoft and major security vendors commonly distinguishes PUPs from traditional malware while still recommending detection, removal, and prevention through reputable security software and careful software installation practices.
- A. Correct.
Correct. This scenario strongly matches a potentially unwanted program (PUP), especially bundled software installed alongside a free utility. PUPs commonly change browser homepages, alter search providers, inject ads, install toolbars or background ad components, and degrade performance. They are not always classified as traditional malware by antivirus products, which is why a standard AV scan may come back clean even though the system is affected.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Firmware compromise is possible in rare high-security incidents, but it is not the most likely explanation in a routine support scenario involving a recent freeware installation and browser changes. The symptoms described are much more consistent with adware or a browser hijacker delivered as a bundled PUP.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An SSD failure can cause slow performance, file corruption, boot issues, or application crashes, but it would not realistically change browser settings, redirect searches, or generate advertisements. This option confuses hardware reliability problems with software-based unwanted behavior.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A problematic driver from Windows Update might cause instability, crashes, or device malfunctions, but it would not normally modify browser homepages, redirect searches, or display advertisements. Those symptoms point to unwanted software installed in the user environment rather than a driver issue.