The correct answer is to perform a live migration using the hypervisor's built-in feature, such as VMware vMotion or Microsoft Hyper-V Live Migration. This technology transfers the entire memory and CPU state of a running VM from one physical host to another over the network, with no interruption to services or user sessions, because the hypervisor copies the VM’s active memory pages while the VM continues to run, then briefly pauses and resumes execution on the destination host. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of enterprise hypervisor capabilities versus basic VM export or shutdown-and-move methods; a common trap is confusing live migration with cold migration, which requires the VM to be powered off. Remember that live migration is the only way to achieve zero downtime during host maintenance or load balancing. A helpful memory tip is “Live = No Pause, Just Copy and Switch.”
220-1201 Virtualization Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization concepts. 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 company uses a Type 1 hypervisor for production servers. A technician needs to migrate a running VM from one host to another without any downtime. Which feature should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Perform a live migration using the hypervisor's built-in feature
Live migration (vMotion in VMware) moves a running VM between hosts with zero downtime. This is a key feature of enterprise hypervisors for maintenance and load balancing.
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.
✗
Snapshot the VM and restore on the new host
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots capture state but require downtime to restore; they do not provide live migration.
✗
Use virtual machine cloning
Why it's wrong here
Cloning creates a copy, but the original VM must be stopped to avoid conflicts.
✓
Perform a live migration using the hypervisor's built-in feature
Why this is correct
Live migration transfers memory and state while the VM runs, ensuring zero downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Export the VM as an OVF and import on the new host
Why it's wrong here
Export/import requires the VM to be powered off, causing downtime.
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.
Virtualization Concepts — This question tests Virtualization Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a live migration using the hypervisor's built-in feature — Live migration (vMotion in VMware) moves a running VM between hosts with zero downtime. This is a key feature of enterprise hypervisors for maintenance and load balancing.
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.
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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