- A
Replace the HDMI cable.
Why wrong: The HDMI cable is not the first check because the monitor works with another device, but the cable could still be faulty; however, you should verify the laptop's output settings first.
- B
Press the function key to toggle display output.
Many laptops require pressing a function key (e.g., F4 or F8) to enable external display output. This is the most common cause of 'No Signal' when the monitor works.
- C
Update the graphics driver.
Why wrong: While outdated drivers can cause issues, the immediate 'No Signal' message is more likely due to display output settings, not a driver problem.
- D
Check the monitor's power cable.
Why wrong: The monitor works with another device, so its power cable is fine. The issue is with the laptop's output.
Quick Answer
The answer is to press the function key to toggle display output. This is the correct first step because when an external monitor shows "no signal" but the laptop screen works, the issue is almost always that the laptop’s video output is not being sent to the external port. Modern laptops use a function key combination—often F4, F7, or F8 with the Fn key—to cycle through display modes like “Duplicate,” “Extend,” or “Second screen only,” and a simple press can re-enable the signal. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize simple, common fixes before diving into hardware or driver issues; a common trap is immediately suspecting a faulty cable or port when the monitor is already confirmed working. Remember the mnemonic “No Signal? Hit the Fn key first”—it saves time and aligns with CompTIA’s emphasis on efficient troubleshooting.
220-1201 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices troubleshooting. 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 customer reports that their external monitor connected via HDMI to a laptop shows a 'No Signal' message, even though the laptop screen works fine. The monitor has been tested with another device and works. What should you check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Press the function key to toggle display output.
This scenario tests basic display troubleshooting. The monitor works with another device, so the issue is likely with the laptop's video output or connection. The first step is to check if the laptop is set to output to the external display, often via a function key like F4 or F8.
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.
- ✗
Replace the HDMI cable.
Why it's wrong here
The HDMI cable is not the first check because the monitor works with another device, but the cable could still be faulty; however, you should verify the laptop's output settings first.
- ✓
Press the function key to toggle display output.
Why this is correct
Many laptops require pressing a function key (e.g., F4 or F8) to enable external display output. This is the most common cause of 'No Signal' when the monitor works.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated drivers can cause issues, the immediate 'No Signal' message is more likely due to display output settings, not a driver problem.
- ✗
Check the monitor's power cable.
Why it's wrong here
The monitor works with another device, so its power cable is fine. The issue is with the laptop's output.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The HDMI cable is not the first check because the monitor works with another device, but the cable could still be faulty; however, you should verify the laptop's output settings first.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 220-1201 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.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Display Devices Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Display Devices Troubleshooting practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Display Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Press the function key to toggle display output. — This scenario tests basic display troubleshooting. The monitor works with another device, so the issue is likely with the laptop's video output or connection. The first step is to check if the laptop is set to output to the external display, often via a function key like F4 or F8.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their external monitor connected via HDMI displays a 'No Signal' message, though the monitor power LED is lit. The laptop's built-in display works fine. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?
easy- A.Update the graphics driver
- B.Replace the monitor
- ✓ C.Ensure the HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends
- D.Adjust the screen resolution in Windows settings
Why C: This question tests the systematic approach to display troubleshooting. The monitor is powered on (LED lit) but not receiving a signal, so the most common cause is a loose or faulty cable connection. Always check physical connections before moving to more complex settings or hardware replacements, as this is the quickest and simplest fix.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.
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