- A
The RAM is faulty.
Why wrong: Faulty RAM usually causes blue screens or application crashes, not random restarts without an error screen; Kernel-Power 41 is more indicative of power-related issues.
- B
The graphics card is overheating.
Why wrong: Overheating typically causes performance throttling or a black screen, not a Kernel-Power 41 error; the user already checked CPU temperature, and GPU overheating would show different symptoms.
- C
The motherboard is failing.
A failing motherboard can cause unstable power delivery to components, leading to random restarts under load, which matches the Kernel-Power 41 errors and the symptom pattern.
- D
The Windows installation is corrupt.
Why wrong: A corrupt Windows installation typically causes blue screens or boot failures, not random restarts under load; Kernel-Power 41 is a hardware event, not a software one.
Quick Answer
The answer is a failing motherboard. While Kernel-Power 41 critical errors often point to a faulty power supply causing voltage drops under load, the question explicitly states the PSU is functioning and CPU temperatures are normal. This isolates the issue to the motherboard, which is responsible for stable power regulation and distribution to all components; under heavy load like gaming or video rendering, a failing motherboard can introduce electrical instability or micro-arcs that trigger random restarts. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot power-related errors by ruling out the obvious culprit (the PSU) and recognizing that the motherboard is the next logical suspect in the power delivery chain. A common trap is jumping to the CPU or RAM, but remember: Kernel-Power 41 is a system-level log of an unexpected shutdown, not a component-specific failure. Memory tip: “Motherboard manages the power board—if the PSU is fine, check the spine.”
220-1102 Windows OS Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. 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's Windows 10 laptop is experiencing random restarts, especially under heavy load like gaming or video rendering. The Event Viewer shows multiple 'Kernel-Power 41' critical errors. The CPU temperature is normal, and the power supply is functioning. Which component is most likely causing the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 motherboard is failing.
Kernel-Power 41 errors indicate unexpected shutdowns or restarts. Under heavy load, a failing power supply (even if it appears to function) can cause voltage drops that trigger restarts. However, if the PSU is ruled out, the most likely culprit is the motherboard, as it regulates power delivery to components and can cause instability under load.
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.
- ✗
The RAM is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
Faulty RAM usually causes blue screens or application crashes, not random restarts without an error screen; Kernel-Power 41 is more indicative of power-related issues.
- ✗
The graphics card is overheating.
Why it's wrong here
Overheating typically causes performance throttling or a black screen, not a Kernel-Power 41 error; the user already checked CPU temperature, and GPU overheating would show different symptoms.
- ✓
The motherboard is failing.
Why this is correct
A failing motherboard can cause unstable power delivery to components, leading to random restarts under load, which matches the Kernel-Power 41 errors and the symptom pattern.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The Windows installation is corrupt.
Why it's wrong here
A corrupt Windows installation typically causes blue screens or boot failures, not random restarts under load; Kernel-Power 41 is a hardware event, not a software one.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Overheating typically causes performance throttling or a black screen, not a Kernel-Power 41 error; the user already checked CPU temperature, and GPU overheating would show different symptoms.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Windows OS Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows OS Troubleshooting — This question tests Windows OS Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The motherboard is failing. — Kernel-Power 41 errors indicate unexpected shutdowns or restarts. Under heavy load, a failing power supply (even if it appears to function) can cause voltage drops that trigger restarts. However, if the PSU is ruled out, the most likely culprit is the motherboard, as it regulates power delivery to components and can cause instability under load.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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.
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