220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A technician needs to verify that a Windows 10 system has the latest security updates installed. Which built-in tool should the technician use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse System Information (msinfo32) with Windows Update because both can show system version details, but only Windows Update actively checks for and installs security patches.
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
✓
Windows Update
Windows Update is the built-in tool in Windows 10 specifically designed to check for, download, and install the latest security updates and patches from Microsoft. It connects to the Microsoft Update servers via HTTPS and manages update installation, ensuring the system is current with security fixes. The technician can access it via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update or by running the 'wuauclt' command.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager is the graphical utility for viewing and controlling hardware devices and their drivers, not for operating system patch management. While a vendor may release a security-critical driver update, Device Manager cannot check for Windows security updates such as monthly cumulative patches or .NET fixes. It has no connection to the Windows Update service, so it cannot verify whether the operating system is current.
- ✓
Windows Update
Why this is correct
To verify that a Windows 10 system has the latest security updates, the canonical tool is Windows Update, found under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Clicking 'Check for updates' queries the Windows Update service (or WSUS/SCCM in enterprise environments) and applies any missing patches. The 'Update history' page confirms which KBs, including security updates, have been successfully installed, making it the authoritative interface for this task.
- ✗
System Information
Why it's wrong here
System Information (msinfo32.exe) provides a read-only snapshot of hardware resources, installed software, and current operating system version. It does list installed updates as a set of 'Hotfixes' in the System Summary, showing KB numbers that reveal which patches are present, but it cannot initiate a scan or download new security updates. For determining whether the latest updates are installed, this tool only gives a historical record, not a verification of currency.
- ✗
Disk Cleanup
Why it's wrong here
Disk Cleanup frees storage by deleting temporary internet files, recycle bin contents, and Windows Update cache, which can remove old installation files. It is a maintenance utility, not an update manager, and it has no mechanism to interrogate the update service for pending security patches. In contrast, its sibling 'Windows Update Cleanup' can delete superseded update binaries, but that process happens after updates are installed, so it cannot verify the system is up to date.
Go deeper
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Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
Key term
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, or HTTPS, is the secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between a web browser and a website using SSL/TLS to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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