220-1102 Question 49
Single answerHardware compatibilityA technician is preparing a Windows 11 image for deployment to several older office PCs. During testing, one of the systems fails the compatibility check even though it has 8 GB of RAM, sufficient storage, and a supported 64-bit processor. The technician verifies that the system firmware is set to Legacy BIOS mode and that no TPM is detected by the operating system. Which of the following actions should the technician take FIRST to make the hardware compatible with Windows 11?
- A
Convert the system disk from GPT to MBR and reinstall Windows
- B
Enable UEFI boot mode and TPM 2.0 in the firmware settings
- C
Increase the paging file size to meet Windows 11 security requirements
- D
Disable Secure Boot so the installer can bypass the compatibility check
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
This question focuses on practical hardware compatibility troubleshooting for an OS deployment. In real environments, technicians must verify not only CPU, RAM, and storage, but also firmware and security hardware requirements. Microsoft documents Windows 11 requirements as including a compatible 64-bit CPU, 4 GB RAM minimum, 64 GB storage minimum, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0. In this scenario, the system is failing specifically because it is configured in Legacy BIOS mode and does not show an available TPM. The best first step is to enter firmware settings and enable UEFI boot mode and TPM 2.0, if supported by the hardware. This reflects standard best practice: confirm and enable supported platform features before concluding the device is incompatible or attempting unsupported workarounds.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Windows 11 requires UEFI-based firmware and is typically installed on GPT-partitioned disks for supported configurations. Converting from GPT to MBR would move the system farther away from Windows 11 compatibility, not closer.
- B. Correct.
This is correct. Windows 11 hardware requirements include UEFI firmware, Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0. If the PC is currently using Legacy BIOS mode, the technician should first check firmware settings to enable UEFI and TPM 2.0, assuming the motherboard supports them. This is the most direct compatibility fix based on the scenario.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Paging file size affects virtual memory performance and stability, not hardware compatibility for Windows 11 installation. A candidate might choose this if confusing general system requirements with Windows 11's specific platform security requirements.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Disabling Secure Boot would not help meet Windows 11 requirements. In fact, Windows 11 expects Secure Boot capability as part of its supported hardware configuration. This option reflects a common misconception that reducing security checks improves compatibility.