The answer is the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc). This Windows administrative tool is the correct choice because it enforces system-wide control over default programs by locking a default associations configuration file, preventing any application—even those with elevated privileges—from changing file associations or the default browser without administrator approval. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Group Policy as a centralized security and configuration management feature, often contrasting it with simpler tools like Default Apps in Settings or the Control Panel, which only allow manual changes and cannot block application interference. A common trap is choosing the Settings app, but remember that only Group Policy can enforce a persistent, locked association file that overrides user or app changes. Memory tip: think “GPedit locks the defaults” to recall that Group Policy provides the only built-in method to prevent unwanted browser hijacking on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
220-1202 Windows OS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os features and tools. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
After installing a new application, a user reports that their default web browser keeps changing to a different one without their consent. Which Windows feature can you use to prevent applications from changing file associations and default programs?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Local Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) allows administrators to configure the 'Set a default associations configuration file' policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. When enabled, this policy prevents applications from changing file associations and default programs by locking the association file, overriding any user or application changes. This is the correct tool for enforcing system-wide control over default programs in Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
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.
✗
Programs and Features
Why it's wrong here
Programs and Features is used to uninstall or change installed programs, not to lock default app associations.
✗
Default Programs (Control Panel)
Why it's wrong here
Default Programs lets you set current defaults but does not prevent other apps from changing them later.
✓
Local Group Policy Editor
Why this is correct
Group Policy can enforce 'Set a default associations configuration file' to lock file associations and prevent changes by users or apps.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Registry Editor
Why it's wrong here
Registry Editor could be used to modify associations, but it is not a supported tool for preventing changes and is more complex.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that Default Programs in Control Panel can lock associations, but it only provides a manual interface for setting them without any enforcement mechanism against application changes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Local Group Policy Editor applies the 'Set a default associations configuration file' policy, which points to an XML file (e.g., DefaultAssociations.xml) containing the desired associations. When this policy is enabled, Windows enforces these associations at every logon, overwriting any changes made by applications or users. This is particularly useful in enterprise environments to maintain consistent user experience and security, as malicious software often attempts to hijack default browser or email client associations.
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: Local Group Policy Editor — The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) allows administrators to configure the 'Set a default associations configuration file' policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. When enabled, this policy prevents applications from changing file associations and default programs by locking the association file, overriding any user or application changes. This is the correct tool for enforcing system-wide control over default programs in Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
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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