The answer is the System applet, accessed through the Control Panel or the Settings app’s “About” page. This is correct because after a motherboard replacement, Windows 10 detects a significant hardware change that invalidates the current activation state, often triggering a “Your license will expire soon” watermark. The System applet provides the direct “Activate Windows” link and the activation troubleshooter, which allows you to re-activate using a digital license tied to your Microsoft account or by entering a new product key. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your knowledge of post-hardware-change troubleshooting and the specific tool for license management—a common trap is looking in “Device Manager” or “Update & Security” first, but the activation controls live under System. Remember the mnemonic: “Motherboard swap? System’s the stop—for activation, it’s your top shop.”
220-1202 Windows Settings and Control Panel Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows settings and control panel. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 reports that their Windows 10 laptop shows a 'Your license will expire soon' watermark on the desktop. They recently replaced the motherboard. Which Control Panel applet should you use to re-activate Windows?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
System
The System applet (also known as 'System Properties' or 'About' in Settings) is the correct Control Panel location to view and manage Windows activation status. After replacing the motherboard, Windows 10 detects a significant hardware change and may require re-activation. The System applet provides a 'Change product key' or 'Activate Windows' link to enter a new or existing license key, or to use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate with a digital license tied to a Microsoft account.
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.
✗
Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager is for managing hardware drivers and devices, not for Windows activation.
✓
System
Why this is correct
The System applet displays Windows edition, activation status, and a link to change the product key or activate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
User Accounts
Why it's wrong here
User Accounts manages user profiles and passwords, not license activation.
✗
Network and Sharing Center
Why it's wrong here
This applet handles network connections and sharing settings, not activation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that Device Manager is used for activation because it deals with hardware changes, but Device Manager only manages drivers, not licensing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a motherboard is replaced, Windows 10's activation algorithm checks the hardware hash (a combination of motherboard, disk, and other components). If the hash changes significantly, the digital license becomes invalid. The activation troubleshooter in System > Activation can re-associate the license if the user signs in with the same Microsoft account that was previously linked to the digital license. This process uses the Windows Activation Client (slmgr.vbs) under the hood to validate and apply the license.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Windows Settings and Control Panel — This question tests Windows Settings and Control Panel — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: System — The System applet (also known as 'System Properties' or 'About' in Settings) is the correct Control Panel location to view and manage Windows activation status. After replacing the motherboard, Windows 10 detects a significant hardware change and may require re-activation. The System applet provides a 'Change product key' or 'Activate Windows' link to enter a new or existing license key, or to use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate with a digital license tied to a Microsoft account.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Variation 1. A user reports that their Windows 10 laptop shows a 'Your license will expire soon' watermark on the desktop, even though they purchased a retail license key. You need to resolve the activation issue. Which Control Panel applet should you use first?
easy
A.Device Manager
✓ B.System
C.Programs and Features
D.User Accounts
Why B: The System applet (Control Panel > System) provides direct access to the Windows activation status and the 'Change product key' option. Since the user already has a retail license key, the first troubleshooting step is to verify the current activation state and re-enter the key via this applet, which triggers a re-activation with Microsoft's licensing servers.
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Question Discussion
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