easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 That their computer is slow Practice Question
A user reports that their computer is slow. Which of the following is the BEST first step to troubleshoot?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to hardware upgrades (RAM or hard drive) as a quick fix, but CompTIA emphasizes a systematic troubleshooting process that begins with observation and data collection, not component replacement.
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
✓
Check Task Manager for high resource usage.
The first step in troubleshooting a slow computer is to identify the cause of the performance issue. Task Manager provides real-time data on CPU, memory, disk, and network utilization, allowing you to pinpoint which process or resource is being overused. This diagnostic approach follows the standard troubleshooting methodology of gathering information before making changes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the hard drive.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the hard drive presumes disk failure or degradation without evidence, and the swap may not resolve the slowness. It is tempting because failing drives do cause slowdowns, making replacement correct once diagnostics such as SMART data or error logs confirm the disk is the fault.
- ✗
Upgrade the RAM.
Why it's wrong here
Upgrading RAM addresses only one possible cause and may waste money if the slowness stems from disk, malware or startup load. Troubleshooting begins with gathering information and reproducing the fault; hardware upgrades follow diagnosis. RAM upgrades suit confirmed memory exhaustion under sustained high usage, not an unverified complaint.
- ✓
Check Task Manager for high resource usage.
Why this is correct
Task Manager reveals which processes consume CPU, memory or disk, identifying the actual bottleneck before any remediation. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for the best first step, since it gathers diagnostic evidence rather than guessing at causes such as malware or insufficient RAM.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the operating system destroys data and configuration before the cause is identified, and may not fix underlying hardware issues. It is tempting as a last resort for persistent software corruption, making it valid only after diagnostics isolate an unfixable OS-level problem.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on FC0-U71
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their computer is running slowly. Which of the following is the FIRST troubleshooting step the technician should perform?
medium- A.Update device drivers
- B.Reinstall the operating system
- ✓ C.Restart the computer
- D.Run a virus scan
Why C: The first troubleshooting step for a slow computer is to restart it. Restarting clears temporary memory issues, stops unnecessary processes, and can resolve many software-related slowdowns without further intervention. Option A (Update device drivers) is not typically a first step as drivers usually don't cause gradual slowdowns. Option B (Reinstall the operating system) is a drastic step saved for last. Option D (Run a virus scan) is important but should follow a restart to ensure a clean state. Therefore, restarting is the correct initial step.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.