The answer is to change the resolution of the distorted monitor to 1920x1080 in Windows Display Settings. A distorted, stretched image on one display in a dual monitor setup almost always indicates that the monitor’s native resolution is mismatched, forcing the screen to scale improperly and break the correct aspect ratio. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Windows handles per-monitor resolution settings, a common troubleshooting point when configuring multi-display environments. The trap here is assuming both monitors automatically inherit the same resolution; in reality, each display must be set individually, especially after connection. A useful memory tip is “stretch equals mismatch”—if the image looks warped, the resolution does not match the monitor’s native 1920x1080 spec.
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.
You are configuring a dual-monitor setup for a financial analyst. After connecting both monitors, one display shows a distorted, stretched image while the other works perfectly. Both monitors are identical 1920x1080 models. What is the most efficient troubleshooting step?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the resolution of the distorted monitor to 1920x1080 in Windows Display Settings.
A distorted, stretched image on one monitor suggests the display resolution is set incorrectly for that specific monitor. In a dual setup, Windows may assign different resolutions per monitor. Adjusting the resolution in Display Settings for the affected monitor will correct the aspect ratio.
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.
✗
Swap the video cables between the two monitors.
Why it's wrong here
Swapping cables would move the problem if the cable is faulty, but since the other monitor works fine, the cable is likely good.
✗
Update the graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates are not the first step for a resolution mismatch; the driver is already working for one monitor.
✓
Change the resolution of the distorted monitor to 1920x1080 in Windows Display Settings.
Why this is correct
This directly fixes the stretched image by matching the monitor's native resolution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Replace the monitor with a different model.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing hardware is premature; the issue is almost certainly a configuration setting.
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.
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: Change the resolution of the distorted monitor to 1920x1080 in Windows Display Settings. — A distorted, stretched image on one monitor suggests the display resolution is set incorrectly for that specific monitor. In a dual setup, Windows may assign different resolutions per monitor. Adjusting the resolution in Display Settings for the affected monitor will correct the aspect ratio.
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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