- A
Configure the VM to use dynamic memory.
Why wrong: Dynamic memory adjusts RAM allocation based on demand, but it doesn't affect USB device access.
- B
Enable virtualization extensions (VT-x/AMD-V) in the host BIOS.
Why wrong: While necessary for running 64-bit VMs and improving performance, it does not enable USB passthrough.
- C
Install the guest additions or integration services in the VM.
Why wrong: Guest additions improve integration (e.g., clipboard sharing, mouse smoothing) but do not provide USB passthrough functionality.
- D
Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings.
USB passthrough allows the VM to directly control the USB device, which is required for a security dongle.
Question 678 of 750
Enabling USB Passthrough for a Security Dongle in a Virtual Machine
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. 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 technician is setting up a virtual machine for a software developer who needs to test an application on multiple operating systems. The host runs Windows 10 Pro with 32 GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU. The developer wants the VM to have direct access to a USB security dongle. Which configuration step is essential to meet this requirement?
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings. This configuration step is essential because USB passthrough allows the virtual machine to communicate directly with the physical USB security dongle, bypassing the host operating system entirely—a requirement for dongles that demand low-level hardware access for licensing or encryption. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtualization features versus host hardware configuration; a common trap is confusing BIOS virtualization extensions (which improve CPU performance) with USB device connectivity. Remember, passthrough is about direct device access, not processing power. A simple memory tip: “Pass the dongle through, not the CPU.”
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
✓
Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings.
Option D is correct because USB passthrough (or USB controller passthrough) allows the virtual machine to directly access and control a physical USB device, such as a security dongle, bypassing the host operating system. This is essential for applications that require direct hardware-level communication with the dongle for licensing or authentication.
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.
- ✗
Configure the VM to use dynamic memory.
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic memory adjusts RAM allocation based on demand, but it doesn't affect USB device access.
- ✗
Enable virtualization extensions (VT-x/AMD-V) in the host BIOS.
Why it's wrong here
While necessary for running 64-bit VMs and improving performance, it does not enable USB passthrough.
- ✗
Install the guest additions or integration services in the VM.
Why it's wrong here
Guest additions improve integration (e.g., clipboard sharing, mouse smoothing) but do not provide USB passthrough functionality.
- ✓
Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings.
Why this is correct
USB passthrough allows the VM to directly control the USB device, which is required for a security dongle.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse VM enhancements (like shared folders and mouse smoothing) with the ability to pass through hardware devices, leading them to select Option C instead of the correct USB passthrough configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
USB passthrough works by assigning the USB device to the VM at the hypervisor level, typically using USB controller emulation (e.g., USB 2.0 or 3.0) and filtering the device by vendor ID, product ID, or bus location. In VMware Workstation, this is done via the 'USB Controller' settings and 'Add USB Device' option; in Hyper-V, it requires Enhanced Session Mode or discrete device assignment (DDA) for full passthrough. A common real-world scenario is a software developer needing to test a hardware dongle across multiple guest OSes without unplugging and replugging the device each time.
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.
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?
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable USB controller passthrough in the VM settings. — Option D is correct because USB passthrough (or USB controller passthrough) allows the virtual machine to directly access and control a physical USB device, such as a security dongle, bypassing the host operating system. This is essential for applications that require direct hardware-level communication with the dongle for licensing or authentication.
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
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