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220-1202 Practice Question: A user needs to access a shared folder on a…
A user needs to access a shared folder on a Windows 10 workstation from their Windows 11 laptop. Both devices are on the same local network. Which Windows feature must be enabled on the workstation to allow file sharing?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between Network Discovery (which only controls visibility) and File and Printer Sharing (which actually enables resource access), leading candidates to mistakenly select Network Discovery when the question asks about enabling file sharing.
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
✓
File and Printer Sharing
File and Printer Sharing (option B) is the correct feature because it enables the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol on the workstation, which is the underlying protocol Windows uses for shared folder access. Without this service running and allowed through the firewall, other devices cannot connect to the workstation's shared resources, regardless of network discovery or firewall settings.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Network Discovery
Why it's wrong here
Network Discovery is a crucial network setting that allows a computer to find other devices and resources on the network, and conversely, allows other devices to locate it. While essential for establishing network visibility and populating the network browser, it does not inherently activate the sharing of files or printers from the local machine. Its primary role is to facilitate the identification process, not to enable the underlying sharing protocols or grant access permissions required for shared folder access. Therefore, merely enabling Network Discovery will not allow a user to access a shared folder without further specific sharing configurations.
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File and Printer Sharing
Why this is correct
File and Printer Sharing is the fundamental Windows network service that explicitly enables a workstation to host and provide access to its local folders and printers over the network. By activating this feature, the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is enabled and configured to listen for incoming connections, allowing other network devices to connect to and access the shared resources. This service is specifically designed to facilitate the sharing of local resources, making it the direct and necessary component for allowing users to access a shared folder on the network, provided appropriate permissions are also configured.
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HomeGroup
Why it's wrong here
HomeGroup was a feature introduced in Windows 7 designed to simplify file and printer sharing among computers on a home network by creating a secure, password-protected sharing environment. However, Microsoft officially deprecated and subsequently removed HomeGroup functionality starting with Windows 10 version 1803, and it is entirely absent in Windows 11. Consequently, HomeGroup is no longer a viable or supported method for enabling file sharing on contemporary Windows operating systems, rendering it irrelevant for current network configurations and troubleshooting scenarios.
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Windows Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Windows Firewall acts as a critical security barrier, meticulously controlling which network traffic is permitted to enter or leave the computer based on predefined rules. While it is absolutely crucial to configure the firewall to allow inbound and outbound traffic for File and Printer Sharing, the firewall itself does not enable the sharing functionality. Instead, it typically blocks such traffic by default and requires specific rules or exceptions to be created to permit the necessary Server Message Block (SMB) protocol communications for shared folder access, acting as a gatekeeper rather than an enabler.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.