The answer is Windows 10 S mode, which is the setting blocking the browser extension. This occurs because S mode enforces a strict security policy that only allows app installations from the Microsoft Store, and this restriction extends to browser extensions, preventing them from being loaded from external sources like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Windows 10 configuration limitations and how they impact user functionality; a common trap is confusing S mode with standard Group Policy or User Account Control settings. To remember this, think of the "S" in S mode as standing for "Store-only"—if a browser extension isn't from the Microsoft Store, it's blocked. The solution involves either disabling S mode or switching to a browser like Microsoft Edge that supports extensions from the Store.
220-1102 Browser and Application Security Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 computer where the user cannot install a legitimate browser extension because the browser displays a warning that extensions from this source are not allowed. What setting is likely blocking the installation?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode.
Windows 10's S mode restricts app installations to the Microsoft Store, which also affects browser extensions. Disabling S mode or using a different browser that supports the extension is the solution.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The browser is in private browsing mode.
Why it's wrong here
Private browsing does not block extension installations; it only prevents saving history.
✓
The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode.
Why this is correct
S mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, which can prevent installation of extensions from outside the store.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The user account does not have administrator privileges.
Why it's wrong here
While admin rights may be needed for some extensions, the error message specifically mentions 'source not allowed,' not permissions.
✗
The browser's security level is set to high.
Why it's wrong here
High security settings may block some extensions, but the error message about source is more specific to S mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode. — Windows 10's S mode restricts app installations to the Microsoft Store, which also affects browser extensions. Disabling S mode or using a different browser that supports the extension is the solution.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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