220-1102 Question 578
Single answer3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues.A user reports that after a failed Windows 11 feature update, the PC powers on but repeatedly restarts before reaching the sign-in screen. You have already confirmed the hardware is functioning normally. You boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and need the quickest method to restore the system to a bootable state while preserving the user's personal files. Which action should you take first?
- A
Run Startup Repair from Advanced options
- B
Use System Restore to revert to the last restore point
- C
Choose Reset this PC and select Keep my files
- D
Boot to Safe Mode and uninstall the display adapter driver
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
When Windows cannot complete startup after a failed update, CompTIA A+ expects candidates to choose the least invasive and most appropriate recovery tool first. In WinRE, Startup Repair is specifically intended for boot-related failures and is commonly the best initial action before trying more disruptive options. System Restore is also a valid recovery method for some update issues, but it requires a usable restore point and is usually considered after Startup Repair. Reset this PC is more drastic and should not be the first choice when a targeted boot repair may resolve the issue. This follows Microsoft's recovery best practices for Windows 10 and Windows 11, where Advanced startup tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, Safe Mode, and Reset this PC are used in increasing order of impact depending on the symptom.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Startup Repair is the best first step when Windows fails to boot after an update and is stuck in a restart loop before sign-in. It is designed to detect and repair common boot-related problems such as corrupted boot configuration data, damaged startup files, and issues introduced during updates. It is also non-destructive and aligns with the requirement to restore bootability quickly while preserving user data.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. System Restore can preserve user files and may resolve update-related issues, but it depends on an existing restore point and is typically a later troubleshooting step if Startup Repair does not resolve the boot issue. The question asks for the quickest first action in WinRE for a boot failure scenario.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Reset this PC with Keep my files preserves personal data, but it is more invasive than necessary and removes installed applications and many settings. It is generally used after less disruptive recovery options fail, not as the first action for a boot problem caused by a failed update.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Safe Mode can be useful for troubleshooting driver or software issues, but in this scenario the system cannot reach the sign-in screen and is repeatedly restarting. Also, the scenario points to a failed feature update rather than specifically indicating a display driver problem. Startup Repair is the more appropriate first choice.