- A
Screen Sharing in System Settings > Sharing.
Why wrong: Screen Sharing allows remote control of the Mac's desktop, but it does not provide file-level access as a network drive. It is not the correct tool for sharing files with a Windows machine.
- B
File Sharing in System Settings > Sharing, and ensure SMB is enabled.
File Sharing with SMB is the standard way to share folders with Windows clients. The user must also add the specific folder to the Shared Folders list and set appropriate permissions.
- C
Internet Sharing in System Settings > Sharing.
Why wrong: Internet Sharing allows the Mac to share its internet connection with other devices, not to share files. It is unrelated to the scenario.
- D
Remote Login in System Settings > Sharing.
Why wrong: Remote Login enables SSH access to the Mac, which is a command-line interface. While files could be transferred via SCP, it does not create a browsable network drive for a Windows user.
Sharing a Folder from macOS to Windows Using SMB for CompTIA A+ Core 2
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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 user on a Mac running macOS Big Sur needs to share a folder on their local network with a Windows colleague. The user wants the folder to appear as a network drive on the Windows machine without installing additional software. Which macOS feature should they enable and configure?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable File Sharing in System Settings and ensure SMB is turned on. This works because macOS uses the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol for file sharing, which is the native file-sharing protocol built into Windows, allowing the two operating systems to communicate without any extra software. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of cross-platform networking and the specific role of SMB in a mixed macOS and Windows environment. A common trap is confusing File Sharing with Screen Sharing, which only provides remote desktop access, not folder access. Remember the memory tip: “SMB is for sharing files, not screens—if you want to map a drive, SMB must be alive.”
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
File Sharing in System Settings > Sharing, and ensure SMB is enabled.
Option B is correct because File Sharing in macOS Big Sur includes the ability to enable SMB (Server Message Block) sharing, which is the native file-sharing protocol used by Windows. By turning on File Sharing and checking the SMB option, the Mac acts as an SMB server, allowing the Windows colleague to map the shared folder as a network drive without any additional software.
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.
- ✗
Screen Sharing in System Settings > Sharing.
Why it's wrong here
Screen Sharing allows remote control of the Mac's desktop, but it does not provide file-level access as a network drive. It is not the correct tool for sharing files with a Windows machine.
- ✓
File Sharing in System Settings > Sharing, and ensure SMB is enabled.
Why this is correct
File Sharing with SMB is the standard way to share folders with Windows clients. The user must also add the specific folder to the Shared Folders list and set appropriate permissions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Internet Sharing in System Settings > Sharing.
Why it's wrong here
Internet Sharing allows the Mac to share its internet connection with other devices, not to share files. It is unrelated to the scenario.
- ✗
Remote Login in System Settings > Sharing.
Why it's wrong here
Remote Login enables SSH access to the Mac, which is a command-line interface. While files could be transferred via SCP, it does not create a browsable network drive for a Windows user.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Screen Sharing or Remote Login can be used for file sharing, but the trap here is that only File Sharing with SMB enabled provides the cross-platform network drive functionality required for Windows clients.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Remote Login enables SSH access to the Mac, which is a command-line interface. While files could be transferred via SCP, it does not create a browsable network drive for a Windows user.
Scenario analysis trap
Internet Sharing allows the Mac to share its internet connection with other devices, not to share files. It is unrelated to the scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB (Server Message Block) is a network file-sharing protocol that has been supported by macOS since OS X Mavericks (10.9) via the SMB2/3 implementation in the kernel. When File Sharing is enabled and SMB is checked, macOS runs the `smbd` daemon, which advertises shares via NetBIOS over TCP (port 139) and directly over TCP (port 445). The Windows machine can then map the share using a UNC path like `\\MacName\ShareName` or via Finder's 'Connect to Server' equivalent, leveraging the same protocol used in Windows file sharing.
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 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.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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.
- →
macOS Features and Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: File Sharing in System Settings > Sharing, and ensure SMB is enabled. — Option B is correct because File Sharing in macOS Big Sur includes the ability to enable SMB (Server Message Block) sharing, which is the native file-sharing protocol used by Windows. By turning on File Sharing and checking the SMB option, the Mac acts as an SMB server, allowing the Windows colleague to map the shared folder as a network drive without any additional software.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.