The answer is the Services console (services.msc), as it is the built-in administrative tool specifically designed to identify and manage Windows services consuming excessive CPU. While Task Manager can show high CPU usage, it lacks the granular control needed to stop, disable, or investigate a service’s startup type and dependencies—critical when a recent software installation introduces a rogue background service. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between tools for process-level versus service-level troubleshooting; a common trap is choosing Task Manager because it displays CPU usage, but it does not allow you to permanently disable a service or view its full properties. Remember the memory tip: “Services for services, Task for tasks”—if the issue is a background service, always reach for services.msc first.
220-1102 Windows Administrative Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 customer complains that their Windows 10 PC is running very slowly after a recent software installation. You suspect a new background service is consuming excessive CPU. Which built-in administrative tool should you use to identify the offending service?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Services console (services.msc) to locate and stop the problematic service.
The Services console (services.msc) allows you to view and manage all Windows services, including stopping, starting, and disabling them. Task Manager shows running processes but provides less detail for service management. The other tools are not designed for service control.
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.
✗
Device Manager to check for driver issues.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Device Manager manages hardware drivers, not software services.
✓
Services console (services.msc) to locate and stop the problematic service.
Why this is correct
Correct. The Services console provides a comprehensive list of services and their status, allowing you to stop or disable the offending service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Event Viewer to review system logs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Event Viewer shows logs but does not allow direct management of running services.
✗
Performance Monitor to create a data collector set.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Performance Monitor is for advanced performance analysis, not for quick service management.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. Event Viewer shows logs but does not allow direct management of running services.
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.
Windows Administrative Tools — This question tests Windows Administrative Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Services console (services.msc) to locate and stop the problematic service. — The Services console (services.msc) allows you to view and manage all Windows services, including stopping, starting, and disabling them. Task Manager shows running processes but provides less detail for service management. The other tools are not designed for service control.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their Windows 10 PC is unable to connect to network shares on a server, but internet access works fine. You suspect the 'Workstation' service is not running. Which administrative tool should you use to verify and start this service?
hard
A.Task Manager > Startup tab to check if the service is enabled.
B.Network and Sharing Center to run the network troubleshooter.
✓ C.Services console to locate the 'Workstation' service and start it.
D.Device Manager to reinstall the network adapter driver.
Why C: The Services console (services.msc) is the correct tool to view and manage the status of the Workstation service (LanmanWorkstation), which is required for SMB connections to network shares. The other tools are not designed for service management.
Variation 2. A user reports that their Windows 10 PC is unable to connect to shared network folders on the office server. You need to verify that the necessary network discovery and file sharing services are running. Which administrative tool should you open to check the status of services like 'Function Discovery Resource Publication' and 'SSDP Discovery'?
medium
A.Network and Sharing Center
B.Device Manager
✓ C.Services.msc
D.Task Manager
Why C: Services.msc provides a complete list of all Windows services, including those related to network discovery and sharing. You can check their status and start them if they are stopped. Other tools like Network and Sharing Center or Device Manager do not offer direct service management.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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