Quick Answer
The answer is Secure Boot. This UEFI feature is the correct choice because it enforces cryptographic verification of the bootloader, ensuring that only signed operating system bootloaders can load during startup. By checking the digital signature of the bootloader against a database of trusted keys stored in the firmware, Secure Boot blocks any unauthorized or tampered code from executing, which directly addresses the requirement to prevent unsigned bootloaders from running. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of Secure Boot’s purpose as a core UEFI security feature, often appearing alongside concepts like TPM and UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS. A common trap is confusing Secure Boot with BitLocker or TPM—remember that Secure Boot specifically controls what can boot, not disk encryption or key storage. For a quick memory tip, think “Secure Boot = Signed Boot,” linking the “S” in Secure to the “S” in Signed to recall that it only allows cryptographically signed bootloaders.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of bios / uefi. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a new server and needs to ensure that only signed operating system bootloaders can be loaded. Which UEFI feature should be enabled?
Enable Fast Boot
Why wrong: Fast Boot speeds up boot by skipping some checks, but does not enforce bootloader signing.
Enable Legacy Boot
Why wrong: Legacy boot bypasses Secure Boot, allowing unsigned code to run.
Enable Secure Boot
Secure Boot verifies digital signatures of bootloaders, ensuring only trusted code executes.
Enable Boot from USB
Why wrong: This option controls boot device priority, not security verification.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable Secure Boot
Secure Boot enforces cryptographic verification of bootloaders, preventing unauthorized code from running during boot. This is a key security feature in UEFI. The question tests understanding of Secure Boot's purpose and implementation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable Fast Boot
Why it's wrong here
Fast Boot speeds up boot by skipping some checks, but does not enforce bootloader signing.
Enable Legacy Boot
Why it's wrong here
Legacy boot bypasses Secure Boot, allowing unsigned code to run.
Enable Secure Boot
Why this is correct
Secure Boot verifies digital signatures of bootloaders, ensuring only trusted code executes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable Boot from USB
Why it's wrong here
This option controls boot device priority, not security verification.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
BIOS / UEFI — study guide chapter
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BIOS / UEFI practice questions
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FAQ
BIOS / UEFI — This question tests BIOS / UEFI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable Secure Boot — Secure Boot enforces cryptographic verification of bootloaders, preventing unauthorized code from running during boot. This is a key security feature in UEFI. The question tests understanding of Secure Boot's purpose and implementation.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is configuring a new workstation for a secure environment. The policy requires that only signed operating systems can boot. Which UEFI feature should be enabled?
easyWhy B: Secure Boot ensures that only software signed with trusted certificates can boot. This prevents unauthorized bootloaders and rootkits. This tests knowledge of UEFI security features.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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