easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their external monitor…
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?
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.
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
Replacing the HDMI cable is not the initial troubleshooting step because the external monitor has already been confirmed to function correctly with another device, indicating the monitor's input port and the cable itself are likely operational. While a cable could still be intermittently faulty or damaged in a way specific to this laptop's output, it is more efficient to first verify the laptop's display output settings and activation, which are common causes of a 'No Signal' message.
- ✓
Press the function key to toggle display output.
Why this is correct
Pressing the function key combination (e.g., Fn + F4/F8) to toggle display output is the most common and logical first step when an external monitor displays 'No Signal' but is known to be working with other devices. Laptops frequently default to internal display only, requiring manual activation of external video ports. This action instructs the operating system and graphics hardware to detect and send a signal to the connected external display.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the graphics driver is generally not the immediate solution for a complete 'No Signal' message, as driver issues typically manifest after a display signal is established, causing artifacts, incorrect resolutions, or system instability. A lack of any signal at all usually points to a fundamental output setting or hardware activation problem, rather than a software rendering or compatibility fault. This step should be considered only after basic display output activation has been confirmed.
- ✗
Check the monitor's power cable.
Why it's wrong here
Checking the monitor's power cable is an unnecessary troubleshooting step in this scenario because the customer explicitly stated the external monitor works correctly when connected to another device. This confirms that the monitor itself is receiving power, is functional, and its internal components are operational. The problem is therefore isolated to the laptop's ability to output a signal, not the monitor's power supply or general functionality.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.