easyMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: That their external monitor connected via HDMI…
A user reports that their external monitor connected via HDMI displays a 'No Signal' message, though the monitor power LED is lit. The laptop's built-in display works fine. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is jumping to driver or hardware replacement when the symptom (lit LED, no signal) points to a basic physical-layer fault — CompTIA A+ 220-1201 rewards the least-invasive-first troubleshooting methodology.
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
✓
Ensure the HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends
The monitor's power LED being lit but showing 'No Signal' with a working laptop display most commonly indicates a physical connection issue, so verifying the HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends is the fastest, least invasive first step. Loose or partially inserted HDMI connectors frequently cause exactly this symptom.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
This action is premature when a monitor displays "No Signal." Graphics drivers are software components that instruct the operating system and hardware on how to render and output video signals. If no signal is detected, it indicates a fundamental issue at the physical or data link layer, meaning the display hardware isn't even receiving data to process, making driver updates irrelevant at this initial stage.
- ✗
Replace the monitor
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the monitor is an unnecessary and costly step at this point. The monitor powering on and displaying "No Signal" confirms its internal power supply and basic diagnostic functions are operational. The message specifically indicates a lack of input signal, not a failure of the display panel itself, suggesting the problem lies with the connection or the source device's output.
- ✓
Ensure the HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate first troubleshooting step because a loose or improperly connected cable is the most frequent cause of a "No Signal" error. A secure physical connection is essential for the digital video signal to transmit reliably from the source device to the monitor. Without a complete and stable connection, the monitor cannot detect or interpret the incoming video data stream.
- ✗
Adjust the screen resolution in Windows settings
Why it's wrong here
Adjusting screen resolution is ineffective when the monitor displays "No Signal." Windows display settings, including resolution, can only be modified once the operating system successfully detects an active display and establishes a connection. If no signal is present, Windows cannot communicate with the monitor, rendering any attempts to change resolution settings futile until the physical connection is restored.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Internet Connection Types
Key term
Laptop
A portable personal computer that integrates a display, keyboard, touchpad, battery, and internal components into a single clamshell device for mobile computing.
Key term
Light-emitting Diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it, commonly used as an indicator or illumination source in electronic devices.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.