The answer is the Local Group Policy Editor, launched by running gpedit.msc. This tool is the correct choice because it provides a centralized interface to create and apply a local group policy that restricts control panel access and locks down system settings through granular Administrative Templates and Security Settings. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between administrative tools—a common trap is confusing the Local Security Policy (secpol.msc), which only handles security-related settings like account policies, with the broader scope of gpedit.msc that includes user-configuration restrictions. Remember that gpedit.msc is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, not on Windows Home. A quick memory tip: think of “GP” for “Group Policy” as the “Grand Parent” of all local restrictions—if you need to block the Control Panel or hide settings, gpedit is your go-to.
220-1102 Windows Administrative Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative 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.
A technician needs to deploy a custom security policy to all Windows 10 workstations in a small office. The policy must restrict access to the Control Panel and prevent users from changing system settings. Which administrative tool should be used to create and apply this policy locally on each machine?
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 (gpedit.msc)
The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) allows administrators to configure detailed security and restriction policies for users and computers. It is available on Windows Pro/Enterprise editions and is the correct tool for applying such restrictions locally. Other tools like Local Security Policy or User Accounts have limited scope.
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.
✗
Local Security Policy (secpol.msc)
Why it's wrong here
Local Security Policy focuses on security settings like password policies and user rights, not Control Panel restrictions.
✗
User Accounts (netplwiz)
Why it's wrong here
User Accounts manages user credentials and login settings, not system-wide restrictions.
✓
Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
Why this is correct
Local Group Policy Editor provides Administrative Templates that include settings to hide or restrict access to Control Panel and system settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
System Configuration (msconfig)
Why it's wrong here
System Configuration controls boot and startup options, not user restrictions.
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.
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: Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) — The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) allows administrators to configure detailed security and restriction policies for users and computers. It is available on Windows Pro/Enterprise editions and is the correct tool for applying such restrictions locally. Other tools like Local Security Policy or User Accounts have limited scope.
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.
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Question Discussion
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