The answer is to forget the network on the laptop and reconnect by entering the passphrase again. This resolves a WPA2-PSK passphrase mismatch, where the saved credential in Windows 11 no longer matches the router’s key, often due to a recent password change or a typo during initial entry. Since the network is visible and other users connect fine, the issue is not signal strength or driver problems but an authentication failure at the PSK handshake stage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between wireless configuration errors and hardware faults—a common trap is jumping to reset the router or update drivers first. Remember the mnemonic “Forget First” to prioritize clearing stale credentials before deeper troubleshooting.
220-1202 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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 reports that their Windows 11 laptop can see the office Wi-Fi network but fails to connect, displaying 'Can't connect to this network'. Other users with the same laptop model connect without issues. The network uses WPA2-PSK with AES. What should you check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Why wrong: Driver updates are a valid step, but since other identical laptops connect fine, the issue is more likely configuration-specific.
B
Change the router's security protocol to WPA3.
Why wrong: Changing the protocol would affect all users and is not a targeted fix for a single device.
C
Forget the network on the laptop and reconnect by entering the passphrase again.
This clears any incorrect saved credentials and allows the user to enter the correct passphrase, resolving authentication mismatches.
D
Disable the firewall on the laptop.
Why wrong: Firewalls typically block inbound traffic, not outbound connections; disabling it is unlikely to fix a connection failure at the Wi-Fi association stage.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Forget the network on the laptop and reconnect by entering the passphrase again.
A mismatch in the saved passphrase is a common cause of connection failures when the network is visible. The correct answer is to forget the network and re-enter the correct passphrase. This tests troubleshooting skills for wireless authentication issues.
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.
✗
Update the wireless adapter driver.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates are a valid step, but since other identical laptops connect fine, the issue is more likely configuration-specific.
✗
Change the router's security protocol to WPA3.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the protocol would affect all users and is not a targeted fix for a single device.
✓
Forget the network on the laptop and reconnect by entering the passphrase again.
Why this is correct
This clears any incorrect saved credentials and allows the user to enter the correct passphrase, resolving authentication mismatches.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the firewall on the laptop.
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls typically block inbound traffic, not outbound connections; disabling it is unlikely to fix a connection failure at the Wi-Fi association stage.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Forget the network on the laptop and reconnect by entering the passphrase again. — A mismatch in the saved passphrase is a common cause of connection failures when the network is visible. The correct answer is to forget the network and re-enter the correct passphrase. This tests troubleshooting skills for wireless authentication issues.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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