- A
EFS (Encrypting File System)
Why wrong: EFS encrypts individual files on NTFS volumes, not removable drives, and does not work across systems without the certificate.
- B
BitLocker To Go
BitLocker To Go is designed for encrypting removable drives and works across Windows 10/11.
- C
Windows Defender Encryption
Why wrong: There is no such feature; Windows Defender is for antivirus.
- D
Secure Boot
Why wrong: Secure Boot ensures only trusted OS loaders boot, it does not encrypt data.
Question 659 of 750
How to Encrypt a USB Flash Drive Using BitLocker To Go
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.
A user wants to encrypt a USB flash drive so that if it is lost, the data cannot be read on another computer. The USB drive will be used on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. Which Windows feature should be used?
Quick Answer
The answer is BitLocker To Go, which is the correct Windows feature to encrypt a USB flash drive for use on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. This tool, available in the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows, applies full-disk encryption to removable drives, ensuring that if the drive is lost, its data remains unreadable on any other computer without the password or recovery key. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your knowledge of Windows security features and their appropriate use cases, often appearing as a scenario where a user needs portable data protection across different Windows versions. A common trap is confusing BitLocker To Go with standard BitLocker, which only encrypts internal drives, or with EFS, which encrypts individual files. Remember the memory tip: “To Go” means it goes with you on a removable drive, while standard BitLocker stays inside the computer.
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
✓
BitLocker To Go
BitLocker To Go is the correct choice because it provides full-disk encryption specifically designed for removable drives like USB flash drives. It encrypts the entire drive using AES encryption, and when the drive is inserted into another Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, the user must enter the password or use a smart card/recovery key to access the data. This ensures that if the drive is lost, the data remains unreadable on any other system.
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.
- ✗
EFS (Encrypting File System)
Why it's wrong here
EFS encrypts individual files on NTFS volumes, not removable drives, and does not work across systems without the certificate.
- ✓
BitLocker To Go
Why this is correct
BitLocker To Go is designed for encrypting removable drives and works across Windows 10/11.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Windows Defender Encryption
Why it's wrong here
There is no such feature; Windows Defender is for antivirus.
- ✗
Secure Boot
Why it's wrong here
Secure Boot ensures only trusted OS loaders boot, it does not encrypt data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between EFS and BitLocker To Go, where candidates mistakenly choose EFS because they think file-level encryption is sufficient for removable media, but EFS does not protect data when the drive is moved to another computer because the encryption certificate is not present on the target system.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
BitLocker To Go uses AES encryption (128-bit or 256-bit) in XTS or CBC mode, and the encryption key is protected by a user-supplied password, a smart card, or a recovery key stored in Active Directory or printed. When the drive is inserted into another Windows 10/11 system, the BitLocker driver (fvevol.sys) prompts for authentication before mounting the drive, and without the correct key, the encrypted volume appears as unformatted or inaccessible raw data. A real-world scenario is a corporate user who stores sensitive client files on a USB drive; if the drive is lost, BitLocker To Go ensures that even if the drive is connected to a non-domain-joined PC, the data remains encrypted and unreadable.
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
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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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: BitLocker To Go — BitLocker To Go is the correct choice because it provides full-disk encryption specifically designed for removable drives like USB flash drives. It encrypts the entire drive using AES encryption, and when the drive is inserted into another Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, the user must enter the password or use a smart card/recovery key to access the data. This ensures that if the drive is lost, the data remains unreadable on any other system.
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.
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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.
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