The correct answer is to configure BitLocker with a startup PIN. This is because BitLocker’s primary protection only encrypts the drive when the system is fully powered off; if the laptop was stolen while unlocked or in sleep mode, the encryption key is already in memory and data is freely accessible. A startup PIN forces pre-boot authentication, meaning the drive remains locked until the correct PIN is entered at power-on, even if the device was previously running. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between full-disk encryption and pre-boot authentication—a common trap is assuming BitLocker alone protects an unlocked or sleeping device. Remember: BitLocker locks the door when you leave, but a startup PIN keeps it locked even if someone tries to walk in while you’re gone. Memory tip: “PIN before power” ensures data stays sour.
220-1102 Windows Security Settings Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. 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 company laptop was stolen, and the IT department needs to ensure that the data on the device cannot be accessed. The laptop had BitLocker enabled, but the drive was unlocked when stolen. What additional security measure could have prevented data access in this scenario?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN
BitLocker protects data when the system is off. If the laptop was unlocked, data is accessible. A pre-boot authentication PIN or password ensures that even if the device is powered on, the drive remains locked until the PIN is entered.
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.
✗
Enable Windows Defender Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewall does not protect data on a stolen device.
✓
Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN
Why this is correct
A startup PIN requires authentication before the OS loads, protecting data even if the device is powered on.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a strong user password
Why it's wrong here
A user password can be bypassed by booting from another OS; BitLocker with PIN protects at the hardware level.
✗
Enable System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore does not encrypt or protect data from physical theft.
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
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 Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN — BitLocker protects data when the system is off. If the laptop was unlocked, data is accessible. A pre-boot authentication PIN or password ensures that even if the device is powered on, the drive remains locked until the PIN is entered.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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