Quick Answer
The answer is Services.msc, the Microsoft Management Console snap-in that provides a graphical interface for controlling Windows services like the Print Spooler. This tool is correct because the Print Spooler is a background service responsible for managing print jobs; when jobs become stuck in the queue, stopping and restarting the service via Services.msc clears the queue and resets the spooler without requiring a system reboot. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot printing issues using the appropriate administrative tool—a common trap is confusing Services.msc with Task Manager, which can only end processes, not manage service states. Remember, Event Viewer logs errors but cannot restart services, so Services.msc is the only direct answer. A helpful memory tip: think “S for Spooler, S for Services.msc”—the tool’s name literally starts with the same letter as the service you need to restart.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative tools. 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.
After installing a new printer, a user reports that print jobs are stuck in the queue and cannot be deleted. You need to stop and restart the print spooler service to clear the queue. Which administrative tool allows you to manage this service?
Task Manager
Why wrong: Task Manager can show running processes but cannot directly stop or restart services.
Services.msc
Services.msc lists all services, including the Print Spooler, and allows you to stop, start, or restart them.
Device Manager
Why wrong: Device Manager manages hardware devices and drivers, not services.
Event Viewer
Why wrong: Event Viewer logs service events but does not allow you to control service state.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Services.msc
Services.msc (the Services console) is the tool for starting, stopping, and managing Windows services like the Print Spooler. It provides a graphical interface to control service status and startup type. Other tools like Task Manager or Event Viewer do not offer direct service management.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Task Manager
Why it's wrong here
Task Manager can show running processes but cannot directly stop or restart services.
Services.msc
Why this is correct
Services.msc lists all services, including the Print Spooler, and allows you to stop, start, or restart them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager manages hardware devices and drivers, not services.
Event Viewer
Why it's wrong here
Event Viewer logs service events but does not allow you to control service state.
Common exam traps
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
Task Manager can show running processes but cannot directly stop or restart services.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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 — study guide chapter
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Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
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FAQ
Windows Administrative Tools — This question tests Windows Administrative Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Services.msc — Services.msc (the Services console) is the tool for starting, stopping, and managing Windows services like the Print Spooler. It provides a graphical interface to control service status and startup type. Other tools like Task Manager or Event Viewer do not offer direct service management.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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 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?
mediumWhy B: The Services console (services.msc) allows you to view, start, stop, and configure the startup type of Windows services. To fix the Print Spooler, you would open Services, find the Print Spooler service, start it, and set its startup type to Automatic.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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