easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: That their Windows 10 laptop shows a 'Your…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager is a critical tool for system administrators and technicians to manage and troubleshoot hardware components connected to a Windows system. It displays a hierarchical list of installed hardware, their drivers, and any associated conflicts or errors. While essential for ensuring hardware functionality and resolving device-related issues, it provides no interface or information related to the operating system's licensing or activation status.
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System
Why this is correct
The 'System' section, accessible via Control Panel or the Settings app in Windows 10, is the definitive location for viewing the operating system's core information. Here, users can find details about their Windows edition, processor, installed RAM, and crucially, the Windows activation status. It provides direct links to change the product key, activate Windows using a digital license, or troubleshoot activation issues, making it the correct utility for this task.
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User Accounts
Why it's wrong here
User Accounts is a dedicated control panel applet designed for managing user profiles, their associated settings, and security credentials on a Windows machine. This includes creating new local accounts, linking Microsoft accounts, changing account types (e.g., Administrator, Standard User), and managing passwords or PINs. However, the functionality of User Accounts is strictly confined to user identity and access control, offering no options or information pertaining to the Windows operating system's license activation.
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Network and Sharing Center
Why it's wrong here
The Network and Sharing Center is a centralized interface for configuring and monitoring network connections on a Windows system. It allows users to view active networks, set up new connections, troubleshoot network adapters (Wi-Fi, Ethernet), and manage network discovery and file sharing settings. While network connectivity is often required for online activation, this applet itself does not display or manage the Windows activation status or product key information.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.