The answer is to enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings. This configuration step is essential because USB passthrough allows the virtual machine to communicate directly with the physical USB security dongle, bypassing the host operating system entirely—a requirement for dongles that demand low-level hardware access for licensing or encryption. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtualization features versus host hardware configuration; a common trap is confusing BIOS virtualization extensions (which improve CPU performance) with USB device connectivity. Remember, passthrough is about direct device access, not processing power. A simple memory tip: “Pass the dongle through, not the CPU.”
220-1102 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 technician is setting up a virtual machine for a software developer who needs to test an application on multiple operating systems. The host runs Windows 10 Pro with 32 GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU. The developer wants the VM to have direct access to a USB security dongle. Which configuration step is essential to meet this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings.
USB passthrough allows the VM to access a physical USB device directly, bypassing the host OS. This is essential for security dongles that require low-level access. Enabling virtualization extensions in BIOS is important for performance but not for USB access. Dynamic memory and a fixed-size VHD are unrelated to USB device connectivity.
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.
✗
Configure the VM to use dynamic memory.
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic memory adjusts RAM allocation based on demand, but it doesn't affect USB device access.
✗
Enable virtualization extensions (VT-x/AMD-V) in the host BIOS.
Why it's wrong here
While necessary for running 64-bit VMs and improving performance, it does not enable USB passthrough.
✗
Install the guest additions or integration services in the VM.
Why it's wrong here
Guest additions improve integration (e.g., clipboard sharing, mouse smoothing) but do not provide USB passthrough functionality.
✓
Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings.
Why this is correct
USB passthrough allows the VM to directly control the USB device, which is required for a security dongle.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
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.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings. — USB passthrough allows the VM to access a physical USB device directly, bypassing the host OS. This is essential for security dongles that require low-level access. Enabling virtualization extensions in BIOS is important for performance but not for USB access. Dynamic memory and a fixed-size VHD are unrelated to USB device connectivity.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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