220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A technician needs to verify the exact edition, version, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit) of Windows 10 installed on a workstation to ensure compatibility with a new security software. Which built-in tool should the technician use to view this information?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose 'About Windows' (Option D) because it displays the same information, but the CompTIA 220-1102 exam specifically tests knowledge of built-in administrative tools like msinfo32 versus the Settings app, which is considered a user interface rather than a tool.
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 Information (msinfo32)
System Information (msinfo32) is the correct tool because it provides a comprehensive summary of the system, including the exact Windows edition (e.g., Windows 10 Pro), version (e.g., 22H2), and system type (32-bit or 64-bit). This information is critical for verifying compatibility with security software that may require a specific build or architecture.
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 a hardware management console that lists installed devices, their drivers, and resource allocations. It does not expose the Windows edition (e.g., Pro, Enterprise) or the exact build/version number, and it does not report the operating system's architecture as a system summary. While the 'Computer' node may display a HAL description such as 'ACPI x64-based PC,' this is not a reliable or user-facing way to confirm the Windows system type, and edition/version details are absent.
- ✓
System Information (msinfo32)
Why this is correct
System Information (msinfo32.exe) is the built-in diagnostic utility that provides a complete system summary, including the exact Windows edition (e.g., Windows 10 Pro), the full version and build number, and the System Type field (x64-based PC for 64-bit or x86-based PC for 32-bit OS). It aggregates this information in a single, authoritative interface, making it the standard tool for technical verification of both edition and architecture. Unlike Device Manager or Task Manager, it is purpose-built for this kind of configuration audit.
- ✗
Task Manager
Why it's wrong here
Task Manager is a real-time monitoring tool focused on running processes, CPU/memory utilization, startup programs, and user sessions. The Performance tab can show CPU architecture, but that indicates the processor's capability, not the Windows edition, and the app does not list edition, version, build, or system type information. For verifying the exact edition and whether the operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit, Task Manager does not offer the required details.
- ✗
About Windows (from Settings > System > About)
Why it's wrong here
About Windows shows edition, version, and system type, but it is less detailed than System Information. While it can work, 'System Information' is the more comprehensive built-in tool and is the standard for technical verification.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
macOS System Preferences and Settings
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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.
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JA
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.