- A
The script file extension is .ps1 instead of .bat.
Why wrong: PowerShell scripts can be .ps1 and run from Task Scheduler, so this is not the issue.
- B
The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
If the script needs admin rights, the task must be configured to run with highest privileges; otherwise it fails.
- C
The network share is mapped as a drive letter, which is not available during system startup.
Why wrong: The script runs daily at a scheduled time, not at startup, so drive mapping should be available.
- D
PowerShell execution policy is set to Restricted for the SYSTEM account.
Why wrong: Execution policy applies to the user context, but the script works manually, so policy is not blocking it.
Question 469 of 750
Scheduled Task PowerShell Script Fails: Fix with Highest Privileges
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 reports that a scheduled backup script on their Windows 10 workstation runs every day but fails to complete. The script uses PowerShell to copy files to a network share. When the user runs the script manually from an elevated PowerShell prompt, it works. What is the most likely cause of the failure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the scheduled task is not configured to run with highest privileges. This is the most likely cause because when a PowerShell script is executed manually from an elevated prompt, it has full administrative rights, but a scheduled task defaults to running with the user’s limited permissions unless explicitly set to run with highest privileges. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of User Account Control (UAC) and how scheduled tasks interact with security contexts—a common trap is assuming that because the user has admin rights, the task inherits them automatically. Remember that a scheduled task runs in a non-interactive session, so it does not trigger UAC elevation; you must check the “Run with highest privileges” checkbox in the task’s properties. A simple memory tip: “Manual works, auto fails? Check the privilege rails.”
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
✓
The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
The scheduled task runs under the SYSTEM account by default, which lacks the necessary permissions to access network resources or perform administrative file operations. Running the script manually from an elevated PowerShell prompt works because the user has the required privileges. Setting the task to 'Run with highest privileges' elevates the SYSTEM account to have the same rights as an administrator, resolving the access issue.
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.
- ✗
The script file extension is .ps1 instead of .bat.
Why it's wrong here
PowerShell scripts can be .ps1 and run from Task Scheduler, so this is not the issue.
- ✓
The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
Why this is correct
If the script needs admin rights, the task must be configured to run with highest privileges; otherwise it fails.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The network share is mapped as a drive letter, which is not available during system startup.
Why it's wrong here
The script runs daily at a scheduled time, not at startup, so drive mapping should be available.
- ✗
PowerShell execution policy is set to Restricted for the SYSTEM account.
Why it's wrong here
Execution policy applies to the user context, but the script works manually, so policy is not blocking it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that the SYSTEM account inherently has full administrative rights, when in fact scheduled tasks default to running without elevation unless explicitly configured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a scheduled task runs without 'Run with highest privileges', it executes with a restricted token that lacks SeBackupPrivilege and SeRestorePrivilege, which are often required for copying files to network shares that require administrative access. The SYSTEM account's token is split into a filtered token without elevation, mimicking a standard user's permissions. This is why the script fails despite the account having inherent high privileges.
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 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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges. — The scheduled task runs under the SYSTEM account by default, which lacks the necessary permissions to access network resources or perform administrative file operations. Running the script manually from an elevated PowerShell prompt works because the user has the required privileges. Setting the task to 'Run with highest privileges' elevates the SYSTEM account to have the same rights as an administrator, resolving the access issue.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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