- A
% Processor Time
Why wrong: While high CPU usage can cause slowdowns, it typically results in sluggishness rather than the short, periodic freezes described. The scenario points more toward disk I/O than CPU.
- B
Available Mbytes
Why wrong: Available memory is a useful metric, but the freezes are more likely caused by the disk struggling to handle paging when memory is low. Checking disk counters first is more direct.
- C
Avg. Disk Queue Length
A high average disk queue length indicates that the disk is overwhelmed with requests, which is a classic symptom of excessive paging on a system with insufficient RAM and a slow HDD. This is the best counter to confirm the bottleneck.
- D
Pages/sec
Why wrong: Pages/sec measures the rate of hard page faults (memory swapping to disk). While related, the Avg. Disk Queue Length more directly shows the impact on disk performance, which causes the freezes.
Quick Answer
The answer is Avg. Disk Queue Length. This counter is the first to check because it directly measures how many read/write requests are waiting for the disk to become free; a sustained value above 2 indicates the disk is overwhelmed and cannot keep up with demand, which is exactly what happens when a system with only 8 GB of RAM and a mechanical hard drive starts paging heavily to the page file during multitasking, causing those 5–10 second freezes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how limited RAM forces the OS to use the disk as virtual memory, and the trap is to focus on CPU or memory counters instead of recognizing that the disk queue reveals the true bottleneck. Remember the “Rule of Two”: if Avg. Disk Queue Length stays above 2 for any length of time, the disk is the bottleneck.
220-1202 Windows OS Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. 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 user on Windows 11 reports that their computer frequently freezes for 5–10 seconds at a time, especially when opening multiple browser tabs. The system has 8 GB of RAM and a mechanical hard drive. Which performance monitor counter should you check first to confirm the likely bottleneck?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Avg. Disk Queue Length
Frequent freezing when multitasking on a system with a mechanical hard drive and limited RAM often points to excessive disk usage due to paging. The 'Avg. Disk Queue Length' counter in Performance Monitor indicates how many requests are waiting for the disk; a sustained value over 2 suggests the disk is the bottleneck, likely from swapping memory to the page file.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
% Processor Time
Why it's wrong here
While high CPU usage can cause slowdowns, it typically results in sluggishness rather than the short, periodic freezes described. The scenario points more toward disk I/O than CPU.
- ✗
Available Mbytes
Why it's wrong here
Available memory is a useful metric, but the freezes are more likely caused by the disk struggling to handle paging when memory is low. Checking disk counters first is more direct.
- ✓
Avg. Disk Queue Length
Why this is correct
A high average disk queue length indicates that the disk is overwhelmed with requests, which is a classic symptom of excessive paging on a system with insufficient RAM and a slow HDD. This is the best counter to confirm the bottleneck.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Pages/sec
Why it's wrong here
Pages/sec measures the rate of hard page faults (memory swapping to disk). While related, the Avg. Disk Queue Length more directly shows the impact on disk performance, which causes the freezes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Pages/sec measures the rate of hard page faults (memory swapping to disk). While related, the Avg. Disk Queue Length more directly shows the impact on disk performance, which causes the freezes.
Scenario analysis trap
While high CPU usage can cause slowdowns, it typically results in sluggishness rather than the short, periodic freezes described. The scenario points more toward disk I/O than CPU.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
- →
Windows OS Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows OS Troubleshooting practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows OS Troubleshooting — This question tests Windows OS Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Avg. Disk Queue Length — Frequent freezing when multitasking on a system with a mechanical hard drive and limited RAM often points to excessive disk usage due to paging. The 'Avg. Disk Queue Length' counter in Performance Monitor indicates how many requests are waiting for the disk; a sustained value over 2 suggests the disk is the bottleneck, likely from swapping memory to the page file.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.