220-1102 Software Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user complains that their Windows 10 computer takes a very long time to start up and become responsive after logging in. They have not installed any new programs. Which of the following should a technician check FIRST to improve startup performance?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is overcomplicating the troubleshooting by diving into Event Viewer or msconfig when the most common and easily fixable cause is excessive startup programs.
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
✓
The Task Manager Startup tab to disable unnecessary startup programs.
Slow startup and login are often caused by too many programs launching at startup. Task Manager's Startup tab lists these programs and their impact, allowing a technician to disable unnecessary ones. This is a quick, reversible step that often resolves the issue without deeper troubleshooting. Other tools are either not first-line or target different problems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The System Configuration utility (msconfig) to set a selective startup.
Why it's wrong here
Msconfig is an older tool and is less commonly used now; Task Manager provides similar startup management. Using msconfig to disable services can cause instability if not done carefully. Task Manager is the modern, safer first choice for managing startup impact.
- ✗
The Event Viewer to look for errors during startup.
Why it's wrong here
Event Viewer can reveal errors, but it is not the first step for general slowness. It is more useful when there are specific failures. Checking startup programs is faster and more likely to yield immediate improvement without deep analysis.
- ✗
The Disk Management console to check for disk errors.
Why it's wrong here
Disk Management is for managing partitions, not for checking disk health. Disk errors would typically cause crashes or file corruption, not just slow startup. Tools like chkdsk are better for disk errors, but startup programs are a more common cause of slowness.
- ✓
The Task Manager Startup tab to disable unnecessary startup programs.
Why this is correct
The Startup tab in Task Manager shows programs that launch at login and their impact on startup time. Disabling non-essential startup items is a quick, safe way to reduce boot time and improve responsiveness. This is a standard first step for slow startup issues.
Visual reference
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User Privacy Considerations
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Task Manager
Task Manager is a built-in Windows utility that shows running programs, processes, and system performance, allowing users to monitor and manage computer activity.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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