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220-1202 Practice Question: A user on a Windows 10 Pro workstation complains…
A user on a Windows 10 Pro workstation complains that they cannot change their desktop background or theme, and several personalization settings are grayed out. The computer is not joined to a domain. Which Group Policy or local policy setting is most likely causing this restriction?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1202 often tests the difference between policies that block entire Control Panel access versus those that only gray out specific personalization options, causing candidates to over-select the broader 'Prohibit access to Control Panel' policy.
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
✓
The 'Prevent changing desktop background' policy.
The 'Prevent changing desktop background' policy is the correct answer because it specifically blocks users from modifying the desktop wallpaper, which matches the symptom of grayed-out personalization settings. This policy is found under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization and directly disables the Desktop Background option in Settings. When enabled, the user cannot change the background image, solid color, or slideshow, even on a non-domain-joined machine via local Group Policy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The 'Remove and prevent access to the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands' policy.
Why it's wrong here
This Group Policy setting specifically targets the power options available within the Windows Start Menu, Ctrl+Alt+Del screen, and other power-related interfaces. Its primary function is to prevent users from initiating system shutdown, restart, sleep, or hibernate commands. Crucially, it has no direct impact on the ability to modify desktop backgrounds or other personalization settings within Windows, which would remain fully accessible even if power commands are restricted.
- ✗
The 'Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings' policy.
Why it's wrong here
This policy implements a comprehensive restriction, completely blocking user access to both the traditional Control Panel and the modern Settings application (PC settings). If enabled, a user would be unable to open any configuration interface, receiving an error message upon attempting access. The scenario described, where only personalization options are grayed out while other settings remain accessible, indicates a more specific and less encompassing policy is in effect, not a complete lockout of all settings.
- ✓
The 'Prevent changing desktop background' policy.
Why this is correct
This Group Policy setting directly addresses the user's complaint by specifically disabling the functionality to modify the desktop background. When this policy is enabled, it effectively grays out the options within the Personalization settings that allow users to select or change their desktop image, preventing any alterations. This targeted policy ensures that the desktop background remains static without affecting other customization or system settings.
- ✗
The 'Turn off all Windows Spotlight features' policy.
Why it's wrong here
This policy is designed to control the Windows Spotlight feature, which automatically rotates lock screen images and provides dynamic content and suggestions. While enabling this policy successfully disables Spotlight's automatic background changes and content delivery, it does not restrict a user's ability to manually select a static image or slideshow for their desktop background. Therefore, the personalization options for manual background selection would still be available and editable, contrary to the problem description.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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