220-1102 Question 539
Single answerFirmware updatesA technician must update the UEFI firmware on a fleet of laptops to address a vendor-documented security vulnerability. One laptop is currently running normally, but its battery is at 12% and the user reports frequent power interruptions at their desk. The vendor's support page provides a BIOS/UEFI update utility for the exact laptop model and states that AC power must be connected during the update. What should the technician do NEXT to perform the update with the least risk?
- A
Connect the laptop to reliable AC power, verify the firmware file matches the exact model, close applications, and then run the vendor-approved update utility
- B
Proceed with the update immediately because the battery can act as backup power if AC fails during the flash process
- C
Use a generic third-party firmware tool so the update can complete without checking the system vendor's support page
- D
Wait until the operating system installs the firmware automatically through regular application updates
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best next step is to follow the hardware vendor's documented firmware update process exactly: confirm the update is intended for the precise laptop model, connect the system to reliable AC power, and run the approved update utility. This aligns with common manufacturer guidance for BIOS/UEFI updates, which emphasizes stable power and model verification to reduce the risk of firmware corruption. In real-world support, technicians should also close unnecessary applications, avoid interrupting the process, and, when possible, review release notes and prerequisites on the vendor's support page. A+ Core 2 expects candidates to recognize that firmware updates are higher-risk than normal software changes and should be done only with the correct package, proper power conditions, and vendor-approved methods.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Firmware updates should be performed using the system or motherboard manufacturer's approved method for the exact model. Ensuring stable AC power is a standard best practice because losing power during a firmware flash can corrupt the BIOS/UEFI and render the device unbootable. Verifying model compatibility before flashing is also critical, since installing the wrong firmware can damage functionality or prevent startup.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Although a battery may provide temporary backup power, starting a firmware update at 12% battery with known power instability adds unnecessary risk. Vendor guidance requiring AC power should be followed. A low battery may not sustain the device long enough if the process takes longer than expected or if the battery health is poor.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Technicians should avoid generic third-party firmware flashing tools unless explicitly supported by the hardware vendor. Firmware updates are model-specific, and using unapproved tools increases the risk of incompatibility, failed updates, or applying the wrong image.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Firmware updates are not handled like normal application updates. While some systems can receive firmware updates through managed tools such as Windows Update or vendor management software, the scenario already specifies a vendor-provided update utility and a required AC power condition. Waiting for a generic OS app update does not address the immediate need or follow the documented procedure.