220-1102 Work Folders Practice Question
A technician is configuring a Windows 10 Pro workstation for a user who will be working remotely. The user needs to be able to access files on the corporate network securely without installing a separate VPN client. Which built-in Windows feature should the technician configure?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may assume DirectAccess is available on all Windows 10 editions, but it requires Enterprise or Education. Alternatively, they might confuse Remote Desktop (for remote control) or BranchCache (for caching) with a remote file access solution.
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
✓
Work Folders
Work Folders is a built-in Windows feature that allows users to synchronize files from a corporate file server to their workstation, providing offline access and secure remote file access via HTTPS. Unlike DirectAccess, which is only available on Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, Work Folders is supported on Windows 10 Pro and does not require a separate VPN client. It enables users to access files on the corporate network securely by syncing with a Work Folders server over the internet.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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DirectAccess
Why it's wrong here
DirectAccess is an always-on remote-access technology that uses IPsec and IPv6 to transparently connect clients to an internal corporate network whenever they have Internet access. However, it is a feature of Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions only; Windows 10 Pro does not include the required DirectAccess client components or support joining a DirectAccess infrastructure. Additionally, DirectAccess demands substantial backend prerequisites such as a DirectAccess server, certificate services, and network security policies, making it far too heavyweight for simple remote file access.
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Remote Desktop
Why it's wrong here
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is designed for remotely controlling another computer's graphical desktop session, not for providing direct access to files on a corporate network. While a user could technically log into an office PC via RDP and manually transfer files, this does not offer a seamless, offline-capable file synchronization solution and introduces unnecessary security risks if exposed to the Internet. Its purpose is remote administration or remote desktop operation, not a managed file-access gateway for a roaming workstation.
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BranchCache
Why it's wrong here
BranchCache is a WAN optimization feature that caches files and web content locally at a branch office to reduce bandwidth usage across a wide area network connection. It assumes the remote client is already on the branch-office LAN, caching data from central file servers; it does not provide any mechanism for a standalone Windows 10 Pro workstation to access corporate files from outside the network over the Internet. The feature requires Windows Server infrastructure and specific content-aware network devices, so it is not appropriate for a single remote user's file synchronization.
- ✓
Work Folders
Why this is correct
Work Folders is a built-in Windows 10 Pro feature that synchronizes user data files between a corporate Work Folders server and the local device using HTTPS on port 443, eliminating the need for a separate VPN client. It provides secure, offline-capable file access while automatically syncing changes when the device is next connected to the network. Unlike a VPN, which grants broad network access, Work Folders restricts access to just the user's designated files and protects the local cache with EFS encryption, making it the correct solution for this remote-access scenario.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Virtualization and Client-Side
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, protecting your data and hiding your online activity.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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