A technician needs to configure settings for password complexity and failed log-in attempts before a user is locked out. These settings cannot be changed by standard users. Which of the following MMC snap-ins should the technician use?
Correct Answer: D
The correct MMC snap-in is Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) because password complexity rules and account lockout thresholds are controlled through Group Policy security settings, not through user- management or performance tools. In Windows, these settings live under Computer Configuration # Windows Settings # Security Settings # Account Policies, which includes both Password Policy (complexity, length, age) and Account Lockout Policy (lockout threshold for failed logons). The All-in-One guide explicitly notes that you configure security requirements like "your login password must be at least ten characters" by using Group Policy Editor, gpedit.msc. Quentin Docter also explains that gpedit.msc is used to edit local Group Policy and that you can launch MMC and add the Group Policy Object Editor snap-in when working through MMC. Mike Meyers' Lab Manual reinforces that password and lockout controls are "security policies" and highlights that gpedit.msc includes the same security-policy items (plus more), making it the best exam- focused answer.
References: Quentin Docter - CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide (Group Policy Editor and MMC snap-in); Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz - CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide (gpedit.msc for security/password requirements); Mark Soper - Mike Meyers' A+ Lab Manual (security policies; gpedit vs secpol).