- A
The browser is in private browsing mode.
Why wrong: Private browsing does not block extension installations; it only prevents saving history.
- B
The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode.
S mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, which can prevent installation of extensions from outside the store.
- C
The user account does not have administrator privileges.
Why wrong: While admin rights may be needed for some extensions, the error message specifically mentions 'source not allowed,' not permissions.
- D
The browser's security level is set to high.
Why wrong: High security settings may block some extensions, but the error message about source is more specific to S mode.
Question 86 of 750
Windows 10 S Mode: Browser Extension Blocked
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 computer where the user cannot install a legitimate browser extension because the browser displays a warning that extensions from this source are not allowed. What setting is likely blocking the installation?
Quick Answer
The answer is Windows 10 S mode, which is the setting blocking the browser extension. This occurs because S mode enforces a strict security policy that only allows app installations from the Microsoft Store, and this restriction extends to browser extensions, preventing them from being loaded from external sources like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Windows 10 configuration limitations and how they impact user functionality; a common trap is confusing S mode with standard Group Policy or User Account Control settings. To remember this, think of the "S" in S mode as standing for "Store-only"—if a browser extension isn't from the Microsoft Store, it's blocked. The solution involves either disabling S mode or switching to a browser like Microsoft Edge that supports extensions from the Store.
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 computer is running Windows 10 in S mode.
Windows 10 in S mode enforces a security policy that restricts application installations exclusively to the Microsoft Store. This includes browser extensions, which are blocked unless they are obtained from the Store. The browser warning directly reflects this OS-level restriction, not a browser-specific setting.
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 browser is in private browsing mode.
Why it's wrong here
Private browsing does not block extension installations; it only prevents saving history.
- ✓
The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode.
Why this is correct
S mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, which can prevent installation of extensions from outside the store.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The user account does not have administrator privileges.
Why it's wrong here
While admin rights may be needed for some extensions, the error message specifically mentions 'source not allowed,' not permissions.
- ✗
The browser's security level is set to high.
Why it's wrong here
High security settings may block some extensions, but the error message about source is more specific to S mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often confuse browser-specific security settings (like high security zones or private browsing) with OS-level restrictions, failing to recognize that Windows 10 S mode is a unique configuration tested in CompTIA A+ that blocks all non-Store software, including browser extensions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows 10 S mode is a locked-down configuration that uses AppLocker and Microsoft Store policies to allow only Store-signed applications. When a browser like Chrome or Firefox attempts to install an extension from a non-Store source, the OS intercepts the request and displays a warning because the extension's code is not signed by Microsoft. This is enforced at the kernel level via the Windows Filtering Platform, not by the browser itself.
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.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The computer is running Windows 10 in S mode. — Windows 10 in S mode enforces a security policy that restricts application installations exclusively to the Microsoft Store. This includes browser extensions, which are blocked unless they are obtained from the Store. The browser warning directly reflects this OS-level restriction, not a browser-specific setting.
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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