🖥️ Top 10 Desktop Support Engineer Technical FAQs: What You Need to Know
If you’re aiming to become a Desktop Support Engineer or prepping for an interview, knowing the common technical questions can give you a huge edge. Desktop Support Engineers are the frontline heroes who keep computers, networks, and software running smoothly for end users.
Here are the top 10 technical FAQs you’re likely to encounter, plus straightforward answers and examples to help you prepare.
1. What is Active Directory and why is it important?
Answer:
Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft directory service used to manage users, computers, and groups within a network. It helps in centralizing security and permissions.
Example:
If a user forgets their password, you can reset it through AD rather than directly accessing their machine.
2. How do you troubleshoot a computer that won’t boot?
Answer:
Check power supply and hardware connections first. If those are fine, boot in Safe Mode, check for recent hardware/software changes, and use tools like Windows Recovery Environment.
Example:
If a PC shows a black screen after startup, try Safe Mode to uninstall a recent driver update causing the issue.
3. What are the differences between DHCP and Static IP?
Answer:
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assigns IP addresses automatically.
- Static IP is manually assigned and doesn’t change.
Example:
Printers often use static IPs to maintain a fixed address, while user laptops usually get DHCP addresses.
4. How do you resolve slow computer performance?
Answer:
Check for background processes, malware scans, disk space, and startup programs. Also, consider hardware upgrades like more RAM or SSDs.
Example:
If a user complains about lag, you might discover a runaway application consuming 90% CPU in Task Manager.
5. What is BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) and how to fix it?
Answer:
BSOD is a Windows error screen triggered by critical system faults. Use error codes from the screen to diagnose hardware or driver issues.
Example:
A BSOD with code 0x0000007E often relates to incompatible device drivers—updating or rolling back drivers may fix it.
6. How to connect a computer to a network printer?
Answer:
Add the printer via Control Panel or Settings, choose the network printer by IP or hostname, and install necessary drivers.
Example:
In a corporate office, printers are shared over the network—configuring access correctly allows users to print from any workstation.
7. What is VPN and how does it work?
Answer:
VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure encrypted connection between your device and a network over the internet.
Example:
Remote employees use VPN to safely access company resources as if they were on-site.
8. How do you troubleshoot email issues?
Answer:
Verify account settings, check internet connectivity, clear cache, and ensure mail servers are reachable.
Example:
If Outlook isn’t sending emails, you might check SMTP server settings or check if the user’s mailbox is full.
9. What steps do you follow when a user reports “Cannot connect to Wi-Fi”?
Answer:
Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled, check network availability, restart router/modem, renew IP address, and update network drivers.
Example:
Sometimes a simple network reset fixes Wi-Fi issues instantly.
10. What tools do you commonly use for remote troubleshooting?
Answer:
Popular tools include TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop, and LogMeIn.
Example:
You can remotely access a user’s desktop to diagnose issues without leaving your desk, speeding up resolution time.