easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their external monitor…
A user complains that their external monitor shows a 'No Signal' message when connected to their laptop via HDMI. The laptop display works fine. You test the monitor with another computer and it works. What should you check first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the candidate's ability to follow a logical troubleshooting methodology (start with the simplest, most likely cause) rather than jumping to hardware replacement or driver reinstallation, and the trap here is that candidates assume a hardware fault (cable or driver) when the issue is actually a software-based output routing setting.
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 switch display modes
The most common cause of an external monitor showing 'No Signal' when the laptop display works fine is that the laptop is not sending video output to the external port. Pressing the function key (e.g., Fn+F4, Fn+F8, or a dedicated display toggle key) cycles through display modes (e.g., PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only). This is the first and simplest troubleshooting step because it directly addresses the output routing without introducing hardware or driver changes.
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 an inefficient first step if the existing cable has already been verified as functional with another device. If the monitor successfully displays content from a different computer using the same cable, the cable itself is not the source of the problem. Troubleshooting should always eliminate known good components before replacing them, saving time and resources.
- ✗
Update the laptop's BIOS
Why it's wrong here
Updating the laptop's BIOS is generally an advanced troubleshooting step and rarely resolves issues with external display detection. The BIOS primarily manages low-level hardware initialization and boot processes, while external display output is predominantly controlled by the operating system and its graphics drivers. This action carries a small risk of system instability if not performed correctly and should only be considered for very specific, documented hardware compatibility issues.
- ✓
Press the function key to switch display modes
Why this is correct
Laptops utilize specific function key combinations, often Fn + F4 or Fn + F8, to cycle through various display output modes, such as 'PC screen only,' 'Duplicate,' 'Extend,' and 'Second screen only.' Users frequently overlook this essential step, as the operating system may not automatically activate or detect an external display without explicit user input. This is the most straightforward and common solution for an external monitor not displaying an image.
- ✗
Reinstall the graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the graphics driver, while a potential solution for display issues, is a more involved troubleshooting step that should typically follow simpler configuration checks. Graphics drivers are crucial for the operating system to properly communicate with the GPU and render display output, but a complete reinstallation is usually reserved for scenarios involving display artifacts, performance problems, or persistent detection failures after basic display mode adjustments have been attempted. It's less common than a simple display mode misconfiguration.
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JA
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.