The answer is to arrange the displays in the OS to match their physical positions. This setting is critical because when monitors have different resolutions, like a 1080p and a 4K display, the operating system must align their virtual boundaries correctly to prevent the cursor from snagging or jumping; without proper arrangement, the mouse will hit an invisible wall at the bezel. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of display configuration under the “Display and Multi-Monitor” objectives, and the common trap is thinking you need to match resolutions or adjust scaling first—neither of which fixes the seamless mouse movement across mismatched pixel grids. A reliable memory tip is “align the icons, align the mouse”: in Windows Display Settings, drag the monitor icons to mirror their real-world layout, and the OS automatically handles the resolution differences for smooth cursor flow.
220-1101 Display Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 technician is configuring a dual-monitor setup for a stock trader. One monitor is a 24-inch 1080p display, and the other is a 27-inch 4K display. The user wants the mouse to move seamlessly between them. What setting must the technician configure in the OS display settings?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Arrange the displays in the OS to match their physical positions.
When using monitors with different resolutions, the OS must align the virtual displays correctly. The technician needs to arrange the monitors in the display settings to match their physical layout, ensuring the mouse moves smoothly across the bezels.
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.
✗
Set both monitors to the same resolution.
Why it's wrong here
Setting to the same resolution would degrade the 4K monitor's quality and is not necessary for seamless mouse movement.
✗
Adjust the scaling settings on the 4K monitor.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling affects text and icon size, not mouse movement between monitors.
✓
Arrange the displays in the OS to match their physical positions.
Why this is correct
Properly arranging the displays in the OS ensures the mouse cursor moves seamlessly from one screen to the other.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set the 4K monitor as the primary display.
Why it's wrong here
Setting a primary display only determines where the taskbar appears, not how the mouse moves between screens.
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 — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Arrange the displays in the OS to match their physical positions. — When using monitors with different resolutions, the OS must align the virtual displays correctly. The technician needs to arrange the monitors in the display settings to match their physical layout, ensuring the mouse moves smoothly across the bezels.
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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