The correct method is to run the script via `powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1` from an elevated command prompt. This works because the `-ExecutionPolicy Bypass` flag temporarily overrides PowerShell’s default restriction on running scripts, allowing the script to execute without user prompts, while launching it from an elevated command prompt ensures the necessary administrative rights are in place for the security update installation. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of both execution policies and privilege escalation—a common trap is confusing `Bypass` with `Unrestricted` (which still warns users) or forgetting to run the command prompt as Administrator. Remember the memory tip: “Bypass for silence, Elevate for power”—you need both flags to deploy silently with admin rights.
220-1202 Scripting Basics Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 technician needs to deploy a PowerShell script to 50 Windows 10 workstations that will install a security update silently. The script must run with administrative privileges. Which method should the technician use to ensure the script executes properly without user interaction?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run the script via 'powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1' from an elevated command prompt
Option B is correct because running 'powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1' from an elevated command prompt bypasses PowerShell's execution policy for that session and ensures the script runs with administrative privileges. This combination allows silent, unattended execution of the security update installation across multiple workstations without user interaction.
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.
✗
Double-click the script file on each workstation
Why it's wrong here
Double-clicking may fail due to execution policy restrictions and requires user interaction.
✓
Run the script via 'powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1' from an elevated command prompt
Why this is correct
This command bypasses the execution policy and runs the script silently with administrative rights.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the 'Start-Process' cmdlet without elevation
Why it's wrong here
Start-Process without elevation does not guarantee administrative privileges, and the script may fail.
✗
Copy the script to the Startup folder
Why it's wrong here
The Startup folder runs scripts with user privileges, not administrative, and execution policy may block it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that double-clicking a .ps1 file executes it like a batch file, when in reality it opens in an editor, and that 'Start-Process' without elevation is sufficient for administrative tasks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PowerShell's execution policy is a security feature that controls script execution conditions; using '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass' temporarily overrides this for the session without changing the system policy. The '-File' parameter runs the script synchronously in the current console, and launching from an elevated command prompt ensures the PowerShell process inherits administrative rights, which is required for installing updates that modify system files or registry keys.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run the script via 'powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1' from an elevated command prompt — Option B is correct because running 'powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1' from an elevated command prompt bypasses PowerShell's execution policy for that session and ensures the script runs with administrative privileges. This combination allows silent, unattended execution of the security update installation across multiple workstations without user interaction.
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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