- A
Enable Windows Defender Firewall
Why wrong: Firewall does not protect data on a stolen device.
- B
Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN
A startup PIN requires authentication before the OS loads, protecting data even if the device is powered on.
- C
Use a strong user password
Why wrong: A user password can be bypassed by booting from another OS; BitLocker with PIN protects at the hardware level.
- D
Enable System Restore
Why wrong: System Restore does not encrypt or protect data from physical theft.
Question 386 of 750
How a BitLocker Startup PIN Prevents Data Access on a Stolen Laptop
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. 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 company laptop was stolen, and the IT department needs to ensure that the data on the device cannot be accessed. The laptop had BitLocker enabled, but the drive was unlocked when stolen. What additional security measure could have prevented data access in this scenario?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to configure BitLocker with a startup PIN. This is because BitLocker’s primary protection only encrypts the drive when the system is fully powered off; if the laptop was stolen while unlocked or in sleep mode, the encryption key is already in memory and data is freely accessible. A startup PIN forces pre-boot authentication, meaning the drive remains locked until the correct PIN is entered at power-on, even if the device was previously running. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between full-disk encryption and pre-boot authentication—a common trap is assuming BitLocker alone protects an unlocked or sleeping device. Remember: BitLocker locks the door when you leave, but a startup PIN keeps it locked even if someone tries to walk in while you’re gone. Memory tip: “PIN before power” ensures data stays sour.
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
✓
Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN
BitLocker with a startup PIN requires the user to enter a PIN before the OS loads, even if the drive was previously unlocked. Since the laptop was stolen while unlocked, the PIN would have prevented the drive from being decrypted after a reboot or power loss, protecting the data from unauthorized access.
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.
- ✗
Enable Windows Defender Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewall does not protect data on a stolen device.
- ✓
Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN
Why this is correct
A startup PIN requires authentication before the OS loads, protecting data even if the device is powered on.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a strong user password
Why it's wrong here
A user password can be bypassed by booting from another OS; BitLocker with PIN protects at the hardware level.
- ✗
Enable System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore does not encrypt or protect data from physical theft.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a strong user password or firewall is sufficient to protect data on a stolen device, but the key point is that BitLocker's pre-boot authentication (like a startup PIN) is the only measure that protects data when the drive is unlocked at the time of theft.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
BitLocker with a startup PIN uses a two-factor authentication approach: the PIN (something you know) combined with the TPM (something you have). When the PIN is configured, the TPM will not release the encryption key to decrypt the drive unless the correct PIN is entered during pre-boot authentication. This ensures that even if the drive is unlocked at the time of theft, a reboot or power cycle will lock it again, requiring the PIN to regain access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Windows Security Settings — study guide chapter
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- →
Windows Security Settings practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure BitLocker with a startup PIN — BitLocker with a startup PIN requires the user to enter a PIN before the OS loads, even if the drive was previously unlocked. Since the laptop was stolen while unlocked, the PIN would have prevented the drive from being decrypted after a reboot or power loss, protecting the data from unauthorized access.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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