220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A technician needs to install Windows 10 on a computer with only 1 GB of RAM. The technician has a 64-bit installation ISO. Which action should the technician take?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume 64-bit is always better or that S Mode reduces memory requirements, but the CompTIA exam specifically tests knowledge of the exact minimum RAM values for each architecture.
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
✓
Obtain a 32-bit installation ISO of Windows 10
Windows 10 64-bit requires a minimum of 2 GB of RAM, while the 32-bit version requires only 1 GB. Since the computer has only 1 GB of RAM, the technician must use a 32-bit installation ISO to meet the minimum system requirements and ensure successful installation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use the 64-bit ISO to install, as 1 GB meets the minimum for 64-bit
Why it's wrong here
The 64-bit (x64) release of Windows 10 has a documented minimum of 2 GB of RAM, not 1 GB. With only 1 GB installed, the Windows 10 setup program will not run on a 64-bit ISO, and even if forced to boot, the operating system would be severely unstable or fail to load. The 64-bit installer checks memory early during the setup process and refuses to continue below the hardware floor.
- ✓
Obtain a 32-bit installation ISO of Windows 10
Why this is correct
The 32-bit (x86) edition of Windows 10 lists 1 GB of RAM as the minimum supported memory, so this is the correct path for this hardware. Since virtually all 64-bit CPUs can execute 32-bit code, a 32-bit ISO will install and run, though performance will be minimal and extended use is only recommended for diagnostic or light tasks. Be aware that 32-bit Windows can only address about 4 GB of RAM, but that limit is irrelevant with only 1 GB installed.
- ✗
Install Windows 10 in S Mode to reduce memory usage
Why it's wrong here
Windows 10 in S Mode is a lockdown configuration that permits only Microsoft Store apps and restricts command-line tools, but it does not alter the underlying memory requirements of the operating system kernel or core services. A 64-bit build in S Mode still requires 2 GB of RAM, and a 32-bit build still requires 1 GB. Therefore, enabling S Mode cannot reduce the RAM requirement or make a 64-bit ISO installable on a 1 GB system.
- ✗
Create a bootable USB drive using the 64-bit ISO with FAT32 format
Why it's wrong here
Creating a bootable USB drive with a 64-bit ISO formatted as FAT32 does not change the platform architecture or the memory footprint of Windows 10. The installer on that USB drive will still check the RAM during startup and will reject a machine that has only 1 GB because the 64-bit minimum is 2 GB. FAT32 formatting is relevant for UEFI boot compatibility, but it has no effect on the operating system's hardware requirements.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
macOS System Preferences and Settings
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).
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 220-1102 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.