8+ practice questions focused on Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — one of the most tested topics on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Hardware and Network Troubleshooting PracticeA user reports that a laptop connects to Wi-Fi but cannot reach any websites, while other devices on the same network work fine. The technician suspects a DNS or IP configuration issue. Which two commands should the technician use to verify and resolve the problem? (Choose two.)
Explanation: The laptop can connect to Wi-Fi but cannot reach websites, while other devices work, indicating a problem with the laptop's IP or DNS configuration. ipconfig /all reveals the assigned IP address, DNS servers, and DHCP details, while nslookup tests whether DNS queries succeed. Together they diagnose whether the issue is addressing or name resolution.
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that intermittently fails to boot, sometimes displaying a 'Boot Device Not Found' error. The system has a single NVMe SSD. The technician has already reseated the SSD and verified the boot order in BIOS. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
Explanation: The intermittent nature of the 'Boot Device Not Found' error, even after reseating the SSD, points to a faulty M.2 slot or a poor connection. Overheating, firmware corruption, and SSD firmware issues would typically cause different symptoms or more consistent failures. Therefore, the most likely cause is a hardware connection problem in the M.2 slot.
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that intermittently powers off after 15–20 minutes of use, especially under heavy load. The power supply is a 500 W unit that came with the case. The system has a high-end GPU and an overclocked CPU. The technician has already confirmed the wall outlet and power cable are good. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the shutdowns?
Explanation: The system powers off after sustained heavy load, which strongly suggests the power supply cannot deliver stable voltage to the high-end GPU and overclocked CPU. A 500 W unit is often insufficient for such a configuration, and aging components can worsen the issue. Replacing the PSU with a higher-capacity unit and testing under load is the correct troubleshooting path.
A technician is replacing a failed hard drive in a desktop PC. The user wants the fastest possible storage for the operating system and frequently used applications. The motherboard has available M.2 slots and SATA ports. Which of the following should the technician install?
Explanation: The user requires the fastest storage for the OS and applications. An M.2 NVMe SSD uses the PCIe interface, providing far greater speed than SATA SSDs or mechanical drives. Since the motherboard has M.2 slots, this is the correct choice to meet the performance need.
A user reports that their desktop PC powers on, but the monitor displays 'No Signal' and remains black. The PC's fans spin, and the power LED is solid. After reseating the video card and trying a different monitor cable, the issue persists. What is the MOST likely cause?
Explanation: The system powers on but shows no display after reseating the GPU and swapping cables, pointing to a faulty GPU or PCIe slot. A power issue would likely cause shutdowns or no power, while a monitor input error would have been addressed by cable changes. A CMOS battery problem would not block video entirely. Thus, the most likely cause is a hardware failure in the video card or slot.
+3 more Hardware and Network Troubleshooting questions available
Practice all Hardware and Network Troubleshooting questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting questions on the 220-1201 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting is tested as part of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Hardware and Network Troubleshooting questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
Yes. Courseiva provides free 220-1201 practice questions across all exam topics and domains. The platform includes topic-based practice, mock exams, missed-question review, bookmarked questions, and readiness tracking — no account required.
Difficulty is subjective, but Hardware and Network Troubleshooting is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
Launch a full Hardware and Network Troubleshooting practice session with instant scoring and detailed explanations.
Start Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice →