This set of MS Windows MCQs covers essential topics such as system navigation, shortcuts, tools, and features, allowing you to assess and enhance your proficiency in Microsoft Windows. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these questions will help you strengthen your understanding of this widely-used operating system.
1. What is MS Windows?
a) A multimedia player
b) A web browser
c) An operating system developed by Microsoft
d) A text editor
View Answer
Explanation: MS Windows is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft, which provides the environment for running applications and managing hardware resources.
2. What is the MS Windows Operating System?
a) A web development tool
b) A video game console
c) A collection of software programs for hardware control and user interface
d) A database system
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Explanation: The MS Windows Operating System is a suite of software programs responsible for managing hardware, software, and user interaction on a computer.
3. Who is the founder of Windows?
a) Steve Jobs
b) Bill Gates
c) Larry Page
d) Mark Zuckerberg
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Explanation: Bill Gates, along with Paul Allen, co-founded Microsoft, which developed the Windows operating system.
4. What is Windows Explorer in MS Windows?
a) A photo editor
b) A video converter
c) A tool to navigate and manage files, folders, and drives
d) A media player application
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Explanation: Windows Explorer (now called File Explorer) is a built-in tool that helps users navigate and manage their files, folders, and drives on the system.
5. What is the Start Menu in MS Windows?
a) A screen saver interface
b) A quick access panel for applications and settings
c) A sidebar for notifications only
d) A taskbar located at the bottom of the screen
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Explanation: The Start Menu provides quick access to programs, system settings, and files, helping users to launch applications easily.
6. What is the purpose of the Taskbar in MS Windows?
a) Displays open windows and applications
b) Used solely for email notifications
c) Used only to access the Recycle Bin
d) Displays desktop icons only
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Explanation: The Taskbar shows all open windows and applications, allowing users to switch between them quickly and efficiently.
7. Which feature in Windows allows users to search for files, folders, or applications?
a) File Explorer
b) Cortana
c) Start Menu
d) All of the mentioned
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Explanation: Windows offers multiple search tools such as the Start Menu, Cortana, and File Explorer, which help users locate files and applications quickly.
8. What is the purpose of Windows Defender?
a) To uninstall applications
b) To format hard drives
c) To protect against malware and viruses
d) To improve system performance
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Explanation: Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus tool that helps protect the system from malware, viruses, and other security threats.
9. What is the purpose of the Recycle Bin in MS Windows?
a) Automatically saves passwords
b) Stores files temporarily before deletion
c) Used only for email storage
d) Organizes audio files
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Explanation: The Recycle Bin stores deleted files temporarily, allowing users to restore them if necessary before permanent deletion.
10. What is Windows Task Manager used for?
a) Terminating unresponsive processes and applications
b) Managing system notifications
c) Only launching media applications
d) Controlling email attachments
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Explanation: Windows Task Manager helps users monitor system performance and terminate unresponsive applications or processes that may be consuming system resources.
11. What does the “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) in Windows indicate?
a) An out-of-date driver
b) A virus attack
c) A hardware or software error
d) A successful system update
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Explanation: The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) typically occurs due to a critical system error caused by hardware failure or an incompatible software issue, requiring troubleshooting and repairs.
12. What is the Windows Registry in MS Windows?
a) A shortcut to the browser interface
b) A database storing system and user configuration settings
c) A folder containing video files
d) A control panel for media devices
View Answer
Explanation: The Windows Registry is a central database that stores configuration settings for both the system and individual user preferences.
13. What is Windows Event Log?
a) A photo slideshow
b) A video editor
c) A browser history manager
d) A system tool that records application and system activity
View Answer
Explanation: The Windows Event Log is a tool that logs system events, application errors, and security information for troubleshooting and analysis.
14. Which key combination opens the Task Manager in Windows?
a) Ctrl + Shift + Esc
b) Ctrl + Alt + Del
c) Windows + D
d) Alt + Tab
View Answer
Explanation: The Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut directly opens Task Manager. While Ctrl + Alt + Del also opens Task Manager, it provides additional options such as logging off or locking the system.
15. What is the purpose of Windows Update?
a) To remove viruses from the system
b) To format the hard drive
c) To keep the operating system and software up to date
d) To install third-party software
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Explanation: Windows Update keeps the system and Microsoft software updated with the latest security patches, performance improvements, and new features.
16. What is the purpose of the Windows Control Panel?
a) To monitor CPU usage
b) To manage hardware, software, and system settings
c) To play multimedia files
d) To connect to the internet
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Explanation: The Windows Control Panel allows users to adjust system settings for hardware, software, security, network, and appearance.
17. Which Windows feature allows users to organize files and folders?
a) Disk Cleanup
b) Control Panel
c) Task Manager
d) File Explorer
View Answer
Explanation: File Explorer is the built-in tool used for navigating, organizing, and managing files and folders within the Windows operating system.
18. Which feature in Windows allows voice-based assistance?
a) Siri
b) Cortana
c) Alexa
d) Google Assistant
View Answer
Explanation: Cortana is Microsoft’s voice-activated virtual assistant, integrated into Windows for voice commands, reminders, and searches.
19. What is the default file extension for Notepad in Windows?
a) .pdf
b) .xls
c) .txt
d) .doc
View Answer
Explanation: Notepad saves text files with the .txt extension by default, which represents plain text without any formatting.
20. Which command is used to check the IP configuration of a Windows system?
a) nslookup
b) tracert
c) ping
d) ipconfig
View Answer
Explanation: The ipconfig command is used to display network configuration information, such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and DNS settings, for a Windows system.
21. Which tool in Windows is used to check disk health and fix errors?
a) DISM
b) CHKDSK
c) Event Viewer
d) SFC
View Answer
Explanation: CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a utility that scans for and repairs file system errors, disk health issues, and bad sectors.
22. What is the shortcut key to lock your Windows computer?
a) Shift + L
b) Ctrl + L
c) Alt + L
d) Windows + L
View Answer
Explanation: Pressing Windows + L locks the computer, securing the system while leaving applications running.
23. Which utility in Windows is used to free up disk space?
a) Task Manager
b) Control Panel
c) Disk Cleanup
d) Device Manager
View Answer
Explanation: Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary files such as temporary files, system cache, and old system files to free up disk space and improve system performance.
24. Which key combination opens the Run dialog box in Windows?
a) Shift + R
b) Ctrl + R
c) Alt + R
d) Windows + R
View Answer
Explanation: Pressing Windows + R opens the Run dialog box, allowing users to quickly execute commands, open programs, and access system tools.
25. What is the purpose of “Safe Mode” in Windows?
a) To enable faster startup
b) To troubleshoot system issues with minimal drivers
c) To optimize system performance
d) To perform system updates
View Answer
Explanation: Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, making it useful for diagnosing and troubleshooting system problems.
26. What is the purpose of the “Snipping Tool” in Windows?
a) To capture screenshots
b) To delete files securely
c) To edit images
d) To scan for malware
View Answer
Explanation: The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots of specific areas of the screen, which can then be annotated, saved, or shared.
27. What is a Windows Drive?
a) A text-based interface
b) A browser extension
c) A storage location for files and data on a Windows system
d) A media player
View Answer
Explanation: A Windows Drive is a storage device or partition on a system where files and data are saved, such as a hard drive or external storage device.
28. What is Windows Autopilot?
a) A video downloader
b) A deployment tool to set up and manage devices automatically
c) A media converter
d) A browser plugin
View Answer
Explanation: Windows Autopilot is a service that automates the setup, configuration, and management of new Windows devices for businesses.
29. What is Windows Copilot?
a) A browser cache cleaner
b) A productivity tool integrated into Windows OS
c) A video converter
d) A photo editor
View Answer
Explanation: Windows Copilot is an integrated tool in Windows that assists users by providing support, tools, and features to improve productivity and system efficiency.
30. What is Windows Command Prompt?
a) A video downloader
b) A media converter
c) A text-based interface for executing system commands
d) A photo organizer
View Answer
Explanation: The Windows Command Prompt is a command-line interface that allows users to enter text-based system commands for performing various tasks.
31. What is Windows Active Directory?
a) A centralized domain management system in Windows Server
b) A video playlist tool
c) A browser manager
d) A photo editing tool
View Answer
Explanation: Windows Active Directory is a service used to manage and store information about networked resources and users, allowing administrators to control access to the domain.
32. What is Windows NT Server?
a) A graphics tool
b) A server-oriented version of Windows NT operating system
c) A music player
d) A browser history cleaner
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Explanation: Windows NT Server is a version of the Windows NT operating system designed to handle enterprise-level server management, network administration, and security.
33. What is Windows Firewall?
a) A security tool that protects your system from unauthorized access
b) A photo organizer
c) A browser extension
d) A text editor
View Answer
Explanation: Windows Firewall is a security tool that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting the computer from unauthorized access.
34. What is Windows ARM?
a) A video downloader
b) A browser cache manager
c) A graphics editing tool
d) A lightweight architecture for running Windows on ARM processors
View Answer
Explanation: Windows ARM refers to the version of Windows designed to run on ARM processors, offering lower power consumption and better efficiency for mobile and lightweight devices.
35. How do you shut down a Windows computer quickly?
a) Press Windows key + D
b) Open the File Explorer panel
c) Use the Power button on the Start Menu
d) Access browser bookmarks
View Answer
Explanation: The Power button in the Start Menu allows you to shut down, restart, or put your computer to sleep with just a few clicks.
36. What is the function of Windows File History?
a) Automatically edits browser history
b) Creates automatic backups of files
c) Organizes email attachments
d) Creates temporary video storage
View Answer
Explanation: Windows File History automatically creates backups of important files to help recover them in case of accidental deletion or system failure.
37. What is the default location for saving downloaded files in Windows?
a) Temp folder
b) Desktop
c) Documents folder
d) Downloads folder
View Answer
Explanation: By default, Windows saves downloaded files to the “Downloads” folder, which is easily accessible from the File Explorer.
38. Which application in Windows is used to browse the internet?
a) Windows Media Player
b) Microsoft Edge
c) Task Manager
d) File Explorer
View Answer
Explanation: Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows, providing access to internet content and supporting modern web standards.
39. What does the “Windows + E” shortcut key open?
a) Settings
b) Task Manager
c) File Explorer
d) Control Panel
View Answer
Explanation: Pressing Windows + E opens File Explorer, which allows users to browse and manage files, folders, and drives on the computer.
40. Which Windows tool is used to change the display resolution?
a) Device Manager
b) Control Panel
c) Task Manager
d) Display Settings
View Answer
Explanation: The Display Settings menu in Windows lets users adjust screen resolution, orientation, and scaling options for the display.
41. What is the purpose of the “Device Manager” in Windows?
a) To clean the disk
b) To optimize system performance
c) To manage hardware devices and drivers
d) To update the operating system
View Answer
Explanation: Device Manager allows users to view, configure, and troubleshoot hardware devices, such as printers, graphic cards, and network adapters, along with their drivers.
42. Which command in Windows is used to display a list of active network connections?
a) tracert
b) ipconfig
c) ping
d) netstat
View Answer
Explanation: The netstat command in Windows displays active network connections, including their respective ports, and network statistics.
43. What is the default extension for system backup files in Windows?
a) .bak
b) .dat
c) .cfg
d) .sys
View Answer
Explanation: Backup files in Windows typically use the .bak extension, indicating that the file is a backup copy of the original.
44. Which command is used to display the directory structure in Windows Command Prompt?
a) mkdir
b) cd
c) tree
d) dir
View Answer
Explanation: The “tree” command in Command Prompt displays the directory structure of a drive or folder in a hierarchical format.
45. What is the primary purpose of “BitLocker” in Windows?
a) To defragment the hard drive
b) To optimize startup
c) To encrypt drives and protect data
d) To remove malware
View Answer
Explanation: BitLocker is a security feature in Windows that encrypts the entire drive, ensuring data protection from unauthorized access in case the device is lost or stolen.
46. What does the “SFC” command do in Windows?
a) Scans and repairs corrupted system files
b) Manages file permissions
c) Displays system information
d) Cleans temporary files
View Answer
Explanation: The SFC (System File Checker) command scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files to maintain system integrity.
47. What does the Windows “Accessibility” feature do?
a) Saves browser history automatically
b) Enhances visual and audio tools for differently-abled users
c) Organizes video downloads
d) Deletes email notifications
View Answer
Explanation: The Accessibility feature provides tools and settings to improve the computing experience for users with disabilities, such as magnification, screen readers, and audio adjustments.
48. What is the purpose of the Notification Center in Windows?
a) Manages audio preferences
b) Creates email alerts
c) Organizes bookmarks
d) Displays system notifications and updates
View Answer
Explanation: The Notification Center alerts users to system updates, security warnings, app notifications, and other important messages.
49. What is Windows PowerShell?
a) A browser extension
b) A media player
c) A powerful command-line interface and scripting tool
d) A photo editor
View Answer
Explanation: Windows PowerShell is a command-line interface that provides advanced tools for system administration and automating tasks through scripting.
50. What function does the Windows Clipboard serve?
a) Deletes unnecessary emails
b) Stores temporary data copied to the clipboard
c) Organizes desktop backgrounds
d) Opens internet browser history
View Answer
Explanation: The Clipboard temporarily stores text and other data that you copy or cut, allowing you to easily paste it elsewhere.
51. What happens when you use the “Power Options” in MS Windows?
a) Changes system sleep, shutdown, and startup preferences
b) Automatically manages sound settings
c) Displays browser preferences
d) Organizes email folders
View Answer
Explanation: Power Options in Windows allow users to configure energy-saving settings, including sleep mode, shutdown, and startup preferences for better performance and efficiency.
52. What are Windows Hotkeys?
a) Special tools for media playback
b) Key combinations to quickly access functions
c) Notifications for website updates
d) Settings for email preferences
View Answer
Explanation: Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that provide quick access to various Windows functions, such as opening the task manager or switching between applications.
53. What does ‘Windows Recovery Environment’ do?
a) Organizes browser history
b) Creates text documents automatically
c) Restores or repairs system errors
d) Displays media notifications
View Answer
Explanation: Windows Recovery Environment is used to troubleshoot and repair system errors, restore system settings, and fix startup issues.
54. How can you take a screenshot on a Windows PC?
a) Press the Shift key only
b) Press the Windows key + H
c) Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys
d) Press the Print Screen (PrtSc) key
View Answer
Explanation: Pressing the Print Screen (PrtSc) key captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard for pasting into an image editor or document.
55. What does the “Windows + D” shortcut key do?
a) Minimizes all windows and shows the desktop
b) Opens the Downloads folder
c) Logs out the user
d) Deletes a file
View Answer
Explanation: Pressing Windows + D minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop, allowing you to quickly access it.
56. Which Windows app allows you to change the system date and time?
a) Control Panel
b) Date & Time Settings
c) File Explorer
d) Task Manager
View Answer
Explanation: The Date & Time Settings app lets users change the system’s date, time, and time zone in Windows.
57. Which program is used to defragment a hard drive in Windows?
a) Device Manager
b) Disk Cleanup
c) Defragment and Optimize Drives
d) Task Manager
View Answer
Explanation: The “Defragment and Optimize Drives” tool is used to reorganize fragmented data on hard drives for better performance and efficiency.
58. Which of the following is an example of a desktop operating system?
a) Windows Server
b) iOS
c) Android
d) macOS
View Answer
Explanation: macOS is a desktop operating system designed by Apple for its line of Mac computers.
