- A
Check if the users are in the 'Remote Desktop Users' group.
Why wrong: Remote Desktop Users group is for remote desktop access, not file sharing.
- B
Verify that the 'Password Protected Sharing' option is turned off.
Why wrong: While this can affect access, it is not a security setting and is less likely changed by an update.
- C
Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing.'
The firewall controls network traffic; if the rule is blocked, file sharing will fail.
- D
Run Windows Update to install additional patches.
Why wrong: The update already caused the issue; another update is unlikely to fix it immediately.
Question 706 of 750
220-1202 Windows Security Settings Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. 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.
After deploying a new Windows 11 update, several users complain that they can no longer access shared folders on the network. You verify that network discovery and file sharing are enabled. Which Windows security setting should you check first to resolve this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
✓
Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing.'
After a Windows 11 update, the most common cause for losing access to shared folders—even when network discovery and file sharing are enabled—is that the Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing' have been reset or disabled. This update often modifies firewall profiles (e.g., switching from Private to Public) or resets custom rules, blocking the NetBIOS, SMB, and RPC ports (TCP 139, 445; UDP 137, 138) required for file sharing. Checking and re-enabling these inbound rules restores 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.
- ✗
Check if the users are in the 'Remote Desktop Users' group.
Why it's wrong here
Remote Desktop Users group is for remote desktop access, not file sharing.
- ✗
Verify that the 'Password Protected Sharing' option is turned off.
Why it's wrong here
While this can affect access, it is not a security setting and is less likely changed by an update.
- ✓
Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing.'
Why this is correct
The firewall controls network traffic; if the rule is blocked, file sharing will fail.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run Windows Update to install additional patches.
Why it's wrong here
The update already caused the issue; another update is unlikely to fix it immediately.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'Password Protected Sharing' (a sharing-level setting) with network-level blocking, or assume that enabling network discovery and file sharing in the GUI automatically opens all necessary firewall ports, when in fact the firewall rules are separate and often reset by updates.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows Defender Firewall uses three profiles (Domain, Private, Public) and the 'File and Printer Sharing' rule group includes rules for NetBIOS (UDP 137-138, TCP 139) and SMB over TCP 445. After a feature update, Windows may reset firewall rules to defaults or change the active network profile (e.g., from Private to Public), which disables these inbound rules. In a real-world scenario, an admin can verify this by running 'wf.msc' and checking that the 'File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In)' rule is enabled for the current profile.
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.
Visual reference
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.
- →
Windows Security Settings — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows Security Settings practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Review Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing.' — After a Windows 11 update, the most common cause for losing access to shared folders—even when network discovery and file sharing are enabled—is that the Windows Defender Firewall rules for 'File and Printer Sharing' have been reset or disabled. This update often modifies firewall profiles (e.g., switching from Private to Public) or resets custom rules, blocking the NetBIOS, SMB, and RPC ports (TCP 139, 445; UDP 137, 138) required for file sharing. Checking and re-enabling these inbound rules restores connectivity.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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