The correct answer is File and Printer Sharing, because this feature enables the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol on the Windows 10 workstation, which is the underlying network protocol that allows Windows 11 laptops to access shared folders over a local network. Without File and Printer Sharing enabled and allowed through the Windows Defender Firewall, the workstation will reject incoming SMB connection requests, even if network discovery is turned on. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept often appears in troubleshooting scenarios where a user can see the target device on the network but cannot access its shared resources—a classic trap is confusing Network Discovery with File and Printer Sharing, but remember that discovery only lets you see the device, while sharing lets you access its contents. A helpful memory tip is “Share to SMB: if you want to share files, you need the File and Printer Sharing service to speak SMB.”
220-1202 Windows OS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os features and tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Why wrong: Network Discovery allows the computer to find other devices on the network, but file sharing requires File and Printer Sharing to be enabled.
B
File and Printer Sharing
Enabling File and Printer Sharing allows the workstation to share folders and printers with other network devices.
C
HomeGroup
Why wrong: HomeGroup was removed in Windows 10 version 1803 and is not available in Windows 11, so it cannot be used.
D
Windows Firewall
Why wrong: Windows Firewall controls inbound and outbound traffic but does not enable file sharing; it must be configured to allow sharing traffic.
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Network Discovery
Why it's wrong here
Network Discovery allows the computer to find other devices on the network, but file sharing requires File and Printer Sharing to be enabled.
✓
File and Printer Sharing
Why this is correct
Enabling File and Printer Sharing allows the workstation to share folders and printers with other network devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
HomeGroup
Why it's wrong here
HomeGroup was removed in Windows 10 version 1803 and is not available in Windows 11, so it cannot be used.
✗
Windows Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Windows Firewall controls inbound and outbound traffic but does not enable file sharing; it must be configured to allow sharing traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
File and Printer Sharing relies on the SMB protocol (specifically SMB 2.0/3.0 on modern Windows) and the 'LanmanServer' service. When enabled, the workstation listens on TCP port 445 for incoming SMB connections. A common subtlety is that even with File and Printer Sharing enabled, the Windows Firewall's 'File and Printer Sharing' inbound rule must be active; otherwise, the SMB traffic is silently dropped.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Windows OS Features and Tools — This question tests Windows OS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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