CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Operating SystemsHard
A technician needs to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on a new solid-state drive (SSD) that will be used for a high-performance workstation. The drive is currently unallocated. What is the minimum number of partitions that Windows 11 typically creates during a clean installation on a UEFI-based system?
- A3
- B1
- C2
- D4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 4
On a UEFI-based system, a clean installation of Windows 11 typically creates four partitions: the Recovery Partition, the EFI System Partition (ESP), the Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR), and the Windows (OS) Partition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Three partitions might be seen, but the MSR partition is often hidden and sometimes overlooked, making four the typical full count.
- B. One partition is insufficient for a standard Windows 11 UEFI installation.
- C. Two partitions (e.g., system and OS) might be seen on older MBR systems or simplified installs, but not standard UEFI.
Windows 11 UEFI Partitions
The standard set of partitions automatically created by a clean installation of Windows 11 on a system using UEFI firmware.
- Includes Recovery Partition for system repair.
- EFI System Partition (ESP) for boot files and firmware interface.
- Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) for internal OS use.
- Main Windows (OS) Partition for the operating system and user data.
Memory trick: UEFI needs four for sure: Recovery, EFI, MSR, OS.