1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings
📘CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
1. What is “Update and Security” in Windows?
Update and Security is a section in Windows Settings that is used to:
- Keep Windows updated
- Protect the system from threats
- Back up data
- Recover or reset Windows
- Troubleshoot system problems
- Manage device security and protection features
For the A+ exam, you must understand what each section does, where to find it, and when to use it in an IT support scenario.
2. How to Open Update and Security
In Windows 10:
- Click Start
- Click Settings
- Select Update & Security
This section includes multiple sub-categories that are tested in the exam.
3. Windows Update
Purpose
Windows Update keeps the operating system:
- Secure
- Stable
- Up-to-date with fixes and improvements
In IT environments, updates are critical for security patches and bug fixes.
Main Features of Windows Update
a. Check for Updates
- Manually checks Microsoft servers for updates
- Installs:
- Security updates
- Feature updates
- Quality updates
Exam Tip:
If a system is missing security fixes, the solution is often to check for updates.
b. Restart Required
- Some updates need a system restart
- Windows can:
- Restart immediately
- Restart outside active hours
c. Pause Updates
- Temporarily stops updates (up to a defined period)
- Useful when:
- Updates cause compatibility issues
- Troubleshooting system problems
Important:
Updates resume automatically after the pause period.
d. Change Active Hours
- Defines when Windows should not restart
- Helps avoid restarts during working hours
e. View Update History
Shows:
- Successfully installed updates
- Failed updates
- Driver updates
IT Use Case:
Used when diagnosing update failures or system changes.
f. Advanced Options
Includes:
- Receive updates for other Microsoft products
- Defer feature updates
- Optional updates (such as drivers)
4. Windows Security
Purpose
Windows Security protects the system against:
- Malware
- Viruses
- Unauthorized access
- Network threats
It is the built-in security solution in Windows.
Key Components of Windows Security
a. Virus & Threat Protection
Uses Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Functions:
- Real-time protection
- Automatic scanning
- Manual scans
Scan Options:
- Quick scan
- Full scan
- Custom scan
- Offline scan (for deeply embedded malware)
Exam Tip:
If malware is suspected, run a full scan or offline scan.
b. Firewall & Network Protection
Controls network traffic to and from the system.
Network profiles:
- Domain
- Private
- Public
Firewall can:
- Allow traffic
- Block traffic
- Be turned on or off per network profile
IT Scenario:
If an application cannot access the network, check firewall rules.
c. App & Browser Control
Protects users from:
- Malicious downloads
- Unsafe apps
- Suspicious websites
Uses:
- SmartScreen filter
Exam Focus:
SmartScreen warns users before running untrusted software.
d. Device Security
Includes:
- Secure Boot
- Core Isolation
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
Used for:
- Preventing rootkits
- Protecting system memory
- Supporting encryption features like BitLocker
e. Account Protection
Provides:
- Windows Hello
- Credential protection
- Secure sign-in options
Used in environments requiring stronger authentication.
5. Backup
Purpose
Backup protects user data in case of:
- System failure
- Hardware failure
- Malware attack
- Accidental deletion
Backup Options
a. File History
- Automatically backs up user files
- Requires an external drive or network location
- Can restore previous versions of files
Exam Tip:
File History backs up files, not the entire operating system.
b. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
- Older backup tool still available
- Can create:
- File backups
- System image backups
6. Recovery
Purpose
Recovery tools are used when Windows is not working correctly.
Recovery Options
a. Reset This PC
Options:
- Keep my files
- Remove everything
Used when:
- System corruption occurs
- OS problems cannot be repaired easily
b. Advanced Startup
Allows booting into:
- Safe Mode
- Startup Repair
- Command Prompt
- System Restore
Exam Tip:
Advanced Startup is used for serious boot or startup problems.
c. System Restore
- Restores system settings to a previous state
- Does not remove personal files
- Useful after driver or update issues
7. Troubleshoot
Purpose
Helps automatically fix common Windows problems.
Common Troubleshooters:
- Internet connections
- Windows Update
- Audio
- Printer
- Bluetooth
- Keyboard
IT Scenario:
If audio stops working, run the audio troubleshooter.
8. Activation
Purpose
Confirms that Windows is genuine and licensed.
Activation status shows:
- Activated
- Not activated
- Activation error
Uses:
- Product key
- Digital license
Exam Tip:
Activation issues are not security problems but licensing problems.
9. Find My Device
Purpose
Tracks the physical location of a Windows device.
Requires:
- Microsoft account
- Location services enabled
Used mainly for:
- Lost or stolen devices
10. For Exam Success – Key Points to Remember
- Windows Update = system patches and fixes
- Windows Security = antivirus, firewall, protection
- File History = file-level backup
- Reset This PC = reinstall Windows
- Advanced Startup = troubleshooting boot issues
- Activation = licensing status
- Troubleshooters = automated problem fixing
11. Common Exam Scenarios
| Scenario | Correct Tool |
|---|---|
| Malware suspected | Virus & Threat Protection |
| System won’t boot | Advanced Startup |
| Need OS reinstall | Reset This PC |
| Missing updates | Windows Update |
| Files deleted | File History |
| Network blocked | Firewall & Network Protection |
Final Exam Tip
For CompTIA A+, focus on:
- What each option does
- When to use it
- Where to find it
You are not expected to configure advanced enterprise policies, only basic Windows settings used by help desk and support technicians.
