Question 203 of 750

Windows Security Settings →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is "Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)." This UAC notification level restores the previous behavior because it allows standard users to receive a credential prompt for installations without enabling the secure desktop, which was likely activated by the update and blocks the prompt from appearing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of the four UAC notification levels and how they affect standard user installation rights—a common trap is confusing "dim my desktop" with security, when in fact the non-dimmed setting simply removes the secure desktop while still prompting for consent. A useful memory tip is to associate "no dim" with "no disruption" for standard users, as it keeps the prompt visible without freezing the screen.

220-1102 Windows Security Settings Practice Question

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that after a recent Windows update, their standard user account can no longer install certain applications that previously installed without issue. The update changed the default User Account Control (UAC) behavior. Which UAC setting would most likely restore the previous behavior while still prompting for consent?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1easymultiple choice

Full question →

A
Always notify me (dim my desktop)
Why wrong: This is the most restrictive setting and would cause more prompts, not fewer, making it incorrect for restoring the previous behavior.
B
Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)
This is the default setting for standard users and allows prompts without the secure desktop, which matches the described previous behavior.
C
Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (dim my desktop)
Why wrong: This setting dims the desktop, which is more secure but was likely not the previous behavior since the user reports a change after the update.
D
Never notify me
Why wrong: This disables UAC entirely, which is a security risk and not a typical default setting, so it would not restore the previous behavior.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)

This question tests knowledge of User Account Control (UAC) levels and their impact on standard users. The 'Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)' setting allows standard users to be prompted for credentials without the secure desktop, which is the default behavior that was likely changed. Understanding the four UAC notification levels is essential for troubleshooting permission-related issues after updates.

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.

✗
Always notify me (dim my desktop)
Why it's wrong here
This is the most restrictive setting and would cause more prompts, not fewer, making it incorrect for restoring the previous behavior.
✓
Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)
Why this is correct
This is the default setting for standard users and allows prompts without the secure desktop, which matches the described previous behavior.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (dim my desktop)
Why it's wrong here
This setting dims the desktop, which is more secure but was likely not the previous behavior since the user reports a change after the update.
✗
Never notify me
Why it's wrong here
This disables UAC entirely, which is a security risk and not a typical default setting, so it would not restore the previous behavior.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1202 question test?

Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop) — This question tests knowledge of User Account Control (UAC) levels and their impact on standard users. The 'Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)' setting allows standard users to be prompted for credentials without the secure desktop, which is the default behavior that was likely changed. Understanding the four UAC notification levels is essential for troubleshooting permission-related issues after updates.

What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

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Same concept, more angles

2 more ways this is tested on 220-1202

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 after a recent Windows update, they can no longer install software on their company-issued laptop. When they try to run an installer, they get a message: 'Your system administrator has blocked this program.' The user has local administrator rights on the laptop. Which Windows security setting is most likely causing this issue?

easy

A.Windows Defender Firewall is blocking the installer.
✓ B.User Account Control (UAC) is set to 'Always notify.'
C.BitLocker Drive Encryption is preventing write access.
D.The user's account is not part of the local Administrators group.

Why B: Windows User Account Control (UAC) can be configured to prompt for consent or credentials when software installation is attempted, even for local admins. If UAC is set to 'Always notify,' it will block installations that don't receive explicit approval. The 'blocked by administrator' message often points to UAC or AppLocker, but with local admin rights, UAC is the primary control.

Variation 2. A user reports that after a recent Windows update, they can no longer install a legacy application that requires write access to the Program Files folder. The user is a local administrator. What Windows security setting is most likely blocking the installation?

medium

A.BitLocker Drive Encryption
✓ B.User Account Control (UAC)
C.Windows Defender Firewall
D.Group Policy Software Restrictions

Why B: User Account Control (UAC) prompts for consent or credentials even for administrators when changes require elevated permissions, such as writing to protected folders like Program Files. Disabling UAC or running the installer as administrator can resolve this.

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