The answer is to update the Wi-Fi driver first. This is the correct initial step because an outdated or corrupted driver is a frequent cause of intermittent connectivity issues, especially on older laptops running Windows 10 where driver compatibility can degrade over time. When a laptop’s Wi-Fi is slow and dropping while other devices work fine, the problem is isolated to that specific machine, pointing to a software or hardware fault on the laptop itself rather than the network. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow the “software before hardware” troubleshooting methodology; a common trap is jumping to replace the wireless card or reset the router, but the driver update is non-invasive and often resolves the issue instantly. Remember the mnemonic “Driver First, Hardware Last” to avoid wasting time on physical repairs when a simple software fix will do.
220-1201 Mobile Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile devices troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 user complains that their laptop's Wi-Fi connection is extremely slow and keeps dropping, but other devices on the same network work fine. The laptop is an older model running Windows 10. Which of the following should the technician try 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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Update the Wi-Fi driver
An outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi driver is a common cause of connectivity issues on older laptops. Updating the driver is a software-level fix that is quick and non-invasive, and it often resolves intermittent connectivity problems.
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 laptop's Wi-Fi card
Why it's wrong here
Replacing hardware should be considered only after software and driver issues have been ruled out.
✓
Update the Wi-Fi driver
Why this is correct
Updating the driver can fix bugs or compatibility issues that cause slow speeds and disconnections.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the firewall
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the firewall is a security risk and is unlikely to resolve a driver-related connectivity problem.
✗
Reset the router
Why it's wrong here
Since other devices work fine, the router is not the issue; resetting it would be unnecessary and disruptive.
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Update the Wi-Fi driver — An outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi driver is a common cause of connectivity issues on older laptops. Updating the driver is a software-level fix that is quick and non-invasive, and it often resolves intermittent connectivity problems.
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.
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Question Discussion
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