The correct answer is to enable printer sharing on the desktop and connect from other computers using the network path. This works because Windows 10 includes built-in printer sharing via the SMB protocol, which allows a USB-connected printer to be accessed over the local network without any additional hardware like a print server or network-enabled printer. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic network resource sharing and the difference between local and network printers. A common trap is assuming you need a dedicated print server or that the printer must be directly connected to the network, but Windows’ native sharing feature is the simplest method for a small office. Remember the memory tip: “USB to SMB” — a USB printer becomes a network resource through Server Message Block sharing, so the network path (\\computer\printer) is your key to connecting other users.
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An office has a single shared printer connected via USB to a Windows 10 desktop. Other users in the office need to print to this printer from their own computers, which are connected to the same local network. What is the simplest way to share the printer without additional hardware?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable printer sharing on the desktop and connect from other computers using the network path
Option B is correct because Windows 10 includes built-in printer sharing via the SMB protocol, which allows the printer connected via USB to be shared over the local network without any additional hardware. Enabling printer sharing on the desktop and connecting from other computers using the network path (e.g., \\desktop-name\printer-name) is the simplest method that leverages existing network infrastructure.
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.
✗
Set up a print server using a Raspberry Pi
Why it's wrong here
This adds complexity and cost; printer sharing in Windows is simpler.
✓
Enable printer sharing on the desktop and connect from other computers using the network path
Why this is correct
This uses built-in Windows features, no extra hardware needed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install the printer on each computer by connecting it via USB when needed
Why it's wrong here
This is inconvenient and shares the printer poorly.
✗
Connect the printer directly to the network switch using an Ethernet cable
Why it's wrong here
The printer has only a USB port, not an Ethernet port.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may overthink the solution and choose a more complex option like a Raspberry Pi print server (Option A), not realizing that Windows' built-in printer sharing is designed exactly for this scenario and requires no extra hardware.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows printer sharing relies on the SMB protocol (port 445) and the Print and Document Services role, which publishes the printer as a shared resource in the network. When other computers connect via the UNC path, they use the SMB protocol to send print jobs to the host machine, which then forwards them to the locally attached USB printer. A subtle behavior is that the host computer must remain powered on and logged in (or have the printer share configured to allow connections without a logged-on user) for the shared printer to be accessible.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable printer sharing on the desktop and connect from other computers using the network path — Option B is correct because Windows 10 includes built-in printer sharing via the SMB protocol, which allows the printer connected via USB to be shared over the local network without any additional hardware. Enabling printer sharing on the desktop and connecting from other computers using the network path (e.g., \\desktop-name\printer-name) is the simplest method that leverages existing network infrastructure.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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