220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation is unable to connect to shared network drives after a recent update. The technician checks network status and confirms the computer is connected to the network. Which built-in Windows tool should the technician use to verify that the necessary network services (e.g., Workstation service) are running and set to start automatically?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the Services console with Task Manager because Task Manager has a 'Services' tab, but that tab only lists service status without the ability to change startup types or access detailed properties, making the full Services console the correct tool for this verification 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 (services.msc)
The Workstation service (LanmanWorkstation) is responsible for establishing SMB connections to shared network drives. The Services console (services.msc) allows the technician to verify that this service is running and configured to start automatically, which is essential after a Windows update that may have altered service startup types or stopped critical services.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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
The Task Manager's Services tab only displays processes that are currently running; it does not list disabled services or offer a way to modify their startup type. Since the Workstation service (LanmanWorkstation) is likely disabled if it isn't starting, it would be absent from this list entirely, leaving no way to see or correct the problem. Task Manager can stop or start an existing process, but it cannot change a service from Disabled to Automatic, which is the necessary fix in this scenario. Therefore, Task Manager is not the correct tool for verifying or restoring the service.
- ✓
Services (services.msc)
Why this is correct
The Services console (services.msc) is the authoritative management interface for the local service database, displaying all services regardless of whether they are running or disabled. Here you can locate the Workstation service (LanmanWorkstation), inspect its Startup Type, and change it from Disabled or Manual to Automatic, then start it immediately to restore SMB client functionality. This is exactly what is needed when a Windows 10 workstation cannot connect to network shares because the underlying service is not running. It also gives access to the Dependencies tab to check for missing prerequisites.
- ✗
Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager manages hardware drivers and device resources, not the state of network services like the Workstation service (LanmanWorkstation). It cannot start, stop, or verify the automatic startup type of services; that requires the Services console (services.msc). Device Manager is tempting because it is a common troubleshooting tool for network adapters after updates, but it addresses driver-level connectivity, not the service-level dependencies required for drive mapping.
- ✗
Network and Sharing Center
Why it's wrong here
Network and Sharing Center focuses on network discovery, file and printer sharing toggles, and advanced sharing settings, but it has no control over the service state on the machine. If the Workstation service is disabled, turning on network discovery or enabling file sharing in this panel will not make the service start or reset its startup type. The tool manages the network profile and sharing configuration, not the background services that implement SMB client connections. Thus, it cannot resolve a failure caused by the disabled LanmanWorkstation service.
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Windows Safe Mode Types
Key term
Services console
A management interface in network operating systems or cloud platforms that provides centralised control over system services and daemons.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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