hardMultiple Choice
220-1102 Practice Question: A company's security policy requires that all…
A company's security policy requires that all Windows 10 workstations automatically lock the screen after 5 minutes of inactivity. However, users in the sales department often leave their desks for extended periods. A technician configures the 'Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit' policy to 300 seconds. Despite this, the screensaver does not activate. What is the most likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1202 often tests the misconception that the machine inactivity limit automatically enables the screensaver, so candidates blame the screensaver timeout or password protection instead of the missing screensaver configuration.
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 screensaver is not enabled or configured on the workstations
The 'Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit' policy locks the machine after the specified inactivity period, but it does not activate the screensaver. If the screensaver is not enabled or configured via Group Policy or local settings, the screen will not show a screensaver even though the machine locks. The policy and screensaver settings are separate mechanisms.
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 'Screen saver timeout' policy is set to a longer duration
Why it's wrong here
The 'Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit' policy, typically configured via Group Policy, dictates when a workstation automatically locks. If this policy is set to a specific duration, such as 300 seconds, it will enforce a lock regardless of whether the 'Screen saver timeout' is set to a longer period or even disabled. The machine inactivity limit directly controls the lock action, not the screensaver's activation time.
- ✗
The 'Password protect the screensaver' setting is disabled
Why it's wrong here
This setting determines whether a user must enter their credentials to unlock the session after the screensaver has become active. Disabling 'Password protect the screensaver' would mean the user could resume their session without authentication once the screensaver is dismissed. However, it does not prevent the screensaver from activating in the first place, nor does it affect the separate 'Machine inactivity limit' policy that enforces a workstation lock.
- ✓
The screensaver is not enabled or configured on the workstations
Why this is correct
This is the correct answer because the 'Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit' policy, while enforcing a workstation lock after a specified period of inactivity, does not inherently activate a screensaver. For a screensaver to appear before or concurrent with the lock, it must be explicitly enabled and configured, either through local display settings or via a Group Policy Object (GPO) like 'Enable screen saver' and 'Screen saver timeout'. If the screensaver is not enabled, the system will simply go to a blank screen or lock without displaying a screensaver.
- ✗
The 'Turn off the display' power setting is set to 'Never'
Why it's wrong here
The 'Turn off the display' power setting solely controls when the monitor's backlight or power is cut, putting the display into a low-power state. This setting is distinct from screensaver activation and the workstation locking mechanism. Even if the display is set to 'Never' turn off, the 'Machine inactivity limit' policy would still enforce a session lock, and a configured screensaver would still activate, independent of the display's power state.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
SOHO Router Security Configuration
Key term
Security policy
A security policy is a formal set of rules and guidelines that an organization establishes to protect its information assets and technology resources.
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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JA
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
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.