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220-1102 Practice Question: A user is unable to install a new printer on…
A user is unable to install a new printer on their Windows 10 workstation because the 'Print Spooler' service is not running. You need to start the service and ensure it starts automatically on boot. Which tool should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse Device Manager's ability to update or roll back printer drivers with the ability to start the underlying Print Spooler service, which is a service management task, not a device management task.
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
✓
Services
The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs sent to the printer. To start it and set its startup type to Automatic, you must use the Services console (services.msc), which provides direct control over service state and startup configuration. Device Manager manages hardware drivers, not service states.
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
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager is the primary interface for managing hardware devices and their associated drivers, allowing users to update, roll back, or uninstall drivers, and check device status. However, it does not provide any functionality for managing Windows services, which are background processes essential for the operation of many hardware components, including printers. Therefore, it cannot be used to diagnose or resolve issues related to a service preventing printer installation.
- ✓
Services
Why this is correct
The Services console (services.msc) is the definitive administrative tool for managing all background processes known as Windows services. It allows administrators to view the status of each service, start, stop, pause, or restart them, and configure their startup type (e.g., Automatic, Manual, Disabled). Printer installations frequently depend on services like the Print Spooler, and if such a service is stopped or misconfigured, this utility is the correct place to diagnose and rectify the issue, enabling successful printer setup.
- ✗
Task Scheduler
Why it's wrong here
Task Scheduler is designed for automating the execution of programs, scripts, or commands at specified times or in response to system events, such as user logon or system startup. While it can be configured to *trigger* a service start, it is not a direct service management tool for troubleshooting real-time issues or configuring service properties like startup type. Its primary function is scheduling, not interactive service diagnosis or configuration, making it inappropriate for resolving an immediate printer installation failure due to a service.
- ✗
System Configuration
Why it's wrong here
System Configuration (msconfig) is a diagnostic utility primarily used for troubleshooting Windows startup problems by selectively enabling or disabling startup items, boot options, and services. Although it includes a 'Services' tab where services can be enabled or disabled, it lacks the granular control found in the dedicated Services console, such as the ability to start, stop, or restart individual services, or to set detailed startup types beyond simple enable/disable. Consequently, it is not the primary or most effective tool for comprehensive service management required to resolve a printer installation issue.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
Key term
Services console
A management interface in network operating systems or cloud platforms that provides centralised control over system services and daemons.
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