The answer is to check the NTFS permissions on the folder first. This is correct because NTFS permissions control access at the file system level and can apply user-specific deny entries, which will block an individual user even if the share permissions allow Everyone full control. In contrast, share permissions only govern network access to the folder, so if other users can connect successfully, the share settings are likely not the culprit. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how NTFS and share permissions combine, with the most restrictive permission always winning—a common trap is to overlook a hidden NTFS deny rule when troubleshooting access denied. Remember the memory tip: “Share controls the door, NTFS controls the room”—always check NTFS first when one user is locked out but others get in.
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 they cannot access a shared folder on the network, but other users can. The folder is on a Windows 10 Pro workstation. What should you check first to resolve this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the NTFS permissions on the folder
NTFS permissions control access at the file system level, while share permissions control network access. A user-specific deny entry on the NTFS permissions can block an individual user while allowing others.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Check the Windows Defender Firewall settings
Why it's wrong here
Firewall affects all users, not a specific one; other users can access, so firewall is likely not the issue.
✓
Check the NTFS permissions on the folder
Why this is correct
NTFS permissions can explicitly deny a user, causing access issues for that individual.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Check the user’s password expiration status
Why it's wrong here
Password issues would affect logon, not folder access after authentication.
✗
Check the User Account Control settings
Why it's wrong here
UAC does not control network share access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1202 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the NTFS permissions on the folder — NTFS permissions control access at the file system level, while share permissions control network access. A user-specific deny entry on the NTFS permissions can block an individual user while allowing others.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1202 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Variation 1. After deploying a new Windows 11 update, several users complain that they can no longer access shared folders on the network. You verify that network discovery and file sharing are enabled. Which Windows security setting should you check first to resolve this issue?
easy
A.Check if the users are in the 'Remote Desktop Users' group.
B.Verify that the 'Password Protected Sharing' option is turned off.
✓ C.Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing.'
D.Run Windows Update to install additional patches.
Why C: Windows Defender Firewall can block file and printer sharing even if sharing settings are enabled. The 'File and Printer Sharing' inbound rule must be allowed for the appropriate network profile (e.g., Private). This is a common issue after updates that reset firewall rules.
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