220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A technician upgraded a Windows 10 Pro workstation from 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM by installing two matching 8 GB DIMMs. The BIOS correctly reports 16 GB of memory, but Windows System Information shows only 8 GB available. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to hardware troubleshooting (reseating or diagnostics) because the symptom suggests a physical memory issue, but the BIOS confirmation of 16 GB points to a software-level restriction that is easily overlooked.
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
✓
Check the msconfig boot advanced options for a maximum memory setting
The msconfig boot advanced options contain a 'Maximum memory' setting that can artificially cap the amount of RAM Windows uses, even when the BIOS detects the full 16 GB. This is a common configuration issue where a previous technician or automated process set a limit, causing Windows to report only 8 GB available. Checking this setting is the fastest and most logical first step before performing hardware or diagnostic actions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reseat the RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
Reseating the RAM modules is a valid initial hardware troubleshooting step, but it is unlikely to resolve this issue because the BIOS already reports the full 16 GB installed. This indicates the modules are physically seated and electrically recognized by the system's firmware. The problem manifests only within Windows, pointing to a software-level configuration rather than a physical connection fault, so reseating would not change the OS-visible memory.
- ✓
Check the msconfig boot advanced options for a maximum memory setting
Why this is correct
The correct first step is to check the msconfig boot advanced options for a 'Maximum memory' setting. This configuration can be inadvertently enabled with a value less than the total installed RAM, creating a cap that Windows honors at boot time—even if the BIOS sees all 16 GB. To fix it, open System Configuration (msconfig), go to the Boot tab, select the current OS, click Advanced options, uncheck 'Maximum memory,' and reboot. This directly addresses the OS-visible limitation without affecting hardware stability.
- ✗
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
Why it's wrong here
Running Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to detect faulty memory modules by performing read/write and pattern tests, not to alter how the OS perceives or uses installed RAM. Since the system is stable and the BIOS correctly identifies all 16 GB, there is no indication of a hardware fault. This tool would not change the 'Maximum memory' cap or any other Windows configuration, so it is an ineffective step for resolving the capacity discrepancy.
- ✗
Update the BIOS to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Updating the BIOS is unnecessary here because the BIOS already correctly reports 16 GB of RAM, indicating it has successfully recognised the physical memory upgrade. The issue lies with Windows not utilising the detected memory, not the BIOS's ability to identify it. This option is tempting as BIOS updates frequently introduce support for new hardware, improve compatibility, or fix bugs related to memory detection. It would be a crucial step if the BIOS itself failed to report the full 16 GB, suggesting a firmware-level recognition problem.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux File System Structure
Key term
MSConfig
MSConfig is a Windows system utility used to troubleshoot startup issues by managing boot settings, services, and startup programs.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 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 220-1102 exam.