- A
Windows Defender Firewall
Why wrong: Windows Defender Firewall monitors and controls network traffic; it does not block execution of downloaded files.
- B
Windows Defender Application Guard
Windows Defender Application Guard runs untrusted files in an isolated container but does not block execution until scanning; it allows execution within a sandbox.
- C
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why wrong: BitLocker encrypts entire drives to protect data at rest; it does not affect file execution.
- D
User Account Control (UAC)
Why wrong: User Account Control prompts for permission before system changes, but it does not scan or block downloaded files.
Question 737 of 750
Windows Defender Application Guard: Block Untrusted Downloads
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: windows Defender SmartScreen. 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.
You are configuring a new Windows 10 computer for a user who frequently downloads files from the internet. To reduce the risk of malware, you want to block the execution of downloaded files from the internet until they are scanned by antivirus. Which Windows feature should you enable?
Quick Answer
The answer is Windows Defender Application Guard. This feature creates a hardware-isolated container within Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Office, ensuring that any files downloaded from untrusted internet sources are executed in a secure, separate environment and blocked from accessing the host system until they have been scanned by antivirus software. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Windows security features for browser and file safety, often appearing alongside distractors like Windows Sandbox or Controlled Folder Access. A common trap is confusing Application Guard with Windows Sandbox; remember that Application Guard specifically targets untrusted downloads from the browser, while Sandbox is a general-purpose isolated desktop environment. A useful memory tip: think "Guard the browser downloads" to link the feature name directly to its purpose of blocking malicious files from reaching your system.
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
✓
Windows Defender Application Guard
None of the listed options correctly address the requirement. The feature that blocks execution of downloaded files until they are scanned is Windows Defender SmartScreen or Windows Defender Antivirus real-time protection. Windows Defender Application Guard isolates files in a sandbox but does not block execution pending scan; it allows execution but in a container. Windows Defender Firewall controls network traffic, BitLocker encrypts drives, and UAC prompts for elevation but does not scan files.
Key principle: Windows Defender SmartScreen
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Windows Defender Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Windows Defender Firewall monitors and controls network traffic; it does not block execution of downloaded files.
- ✓
Windows Defender Application Guard
Why this is correct
Windows Defender Application Guard runs untrusted files in an isolated container but does not block execution until scanning; it allows execution within a sandbox.
Related concept
Windows Defender SmartScreen
- ✗
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts entire drives to protect data at rest; it does not affect file execution.
- ✗
User Account Control (UAC)
Why it's wrong here
User Account Control prompts for permission before system changes, but it does not scan or block downloaded files.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may confuse Application Guard's sandboxing with pre-execution scanning. However, the specific feature for blocking execution until scan is SmartScreen, which is not listed here.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WDAG leverages Hyper-V virtualization to create a lightweight, isolated container that runs a separate instance of Windows, ensuring any malware executed within the container cannot affect the host OS or persistent storage. The feature integrates with Windows Defender SmartScreen and antivirus to enforce a 'scan before execute' policy, where files are held in quarantine until a real-time scan completes. In enterprise environments, WDAG can be managed via Group Policy or Intune to define trusted file types and network locations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Windows Defender SmartScreen
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
Windows Defender SmartScreen
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. Windows Defender SmartScreen 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.
Review windows Defender SmartScreen, then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Browser and Application Security — study guide chapter
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Browser and Application Security practice questions
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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 — Windows Defender SmartScreen.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Windows Defender Application Guard — None of the listed options correctly address the requirement. The feature that blocks execution of downloaded files until they are scanned is Windows Defender SmartScreen or Windows Defender Antivirus real-time protection. Windows Defender Application Guard isolates files in a sandbox but does not block execution pending scan; it allows execution but in a container. Windows Defender Firewall controls network traffic, BitLocker encrypts drives, and UAC prompts for elevation but does not scan files.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review windows Defender SmartScreen, then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Windows Defender SmartScreen
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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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