- A
Uninstall and reinstall the camera driver
Why wrong: Reinstalling the driver might help if the driver is corrupted, but the device was disabled, and after enabling it, the issue persists. Driver reinstall is premature without checking privacy settings.
- B
Check for a physical privacy shutter on the webcam and verify Windows camera privacy settings
Many laptops have a physical shutter that can block the camera. Also, Windows has a privacy setting that can disable camera access for apps. Both are common causes of a black screen.
- C
Replace the webcam module
Why wrong: Replacing hardware should be a last resort after software and settings checks. The camera was recognized by the system, indicating it is likely functional.
- D
Update the laptop's BIOS
Why wrong: A BIOS update is unlikely to affect webcam functionality that is already recognized by the OS. This is not a typical troubleshooting step for a disabled camera.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to check for a physical privacy shutter on the webcam and verify the Windows camera privacy settings. Even after enabling the camera in Device Manager, a physical shutter—often a sliding cover built into the laptop bezel—can physically block the lens, while OS-level privacy settings under Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera can disable camera access for all apps. This scenario tests your understanding of layered hardware and software controls, a common CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 troubleshooting trap: technicians often stop at Device Manager, forgetting that a disabled device in the OS or a physical obstruction overrides driver-level enablement. The exam expects you to follow a logical sequence—check physical obstructions first, then OS permissions, before reinstalling drivers or replacing hardware. A useful memory tip is “Shutter then Settings”: always confirm the lens isn’t covered and the OS hasn’t revoked app permissions before diving deeper into driver issues.
220-1101 Mobile Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile 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.
A user complains that their laptop's built-in webcam is not working in video conferencing apps. The device manager shows the camera as 'disabled'. The technician enables it, but the camera still shows a black screen in apps. What should the technician do next?
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
Check for a physical privacy shutter on the webcam and verify Windows camera privacy settings
Even if the camera is enabled in Device Manager, the privacy shutter or a privacy setting in the OS (like Windows Camera privacy settings) can block the camera. Checking the physical shutter and OS privacy settings is the logical next step.
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.
- ✗
Uninstall and reinstall the camera driver
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the driver might help if the driver is corrupted, but the device was disabled, and after enabling it, the issue persists. Driver reinstall is premature without checking privacy settings.
- ✓
Check for a physical privacy shutter on the webcam and verify Windows camera privacy settings
Why this is correct
Many laptops have a physical shutter that can block the camera. Also, Windows has a privacy setting that can disable camera access for apps. Both are common causes of a black screen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Replace the webcam module
Why it's wrong here
Replacing hardware should be a last resort after software and settings checks. The camera was recognized by the system, indicating it is likely functional.
- ✗
Update the laptop's BIOS
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update is unlikely to affect webcam functionality that is already recognized by the OS. This is not a typical troubleshooting step for a disabled camera.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check for a physical privacy shutter on the webcam and verify Windows camera privacy settings — Even if the camera is enabled in Device Manager, the privacy shutter or a privacy setting in the OS (like Windows Camera privacy settings) can block the camera. Checking the physical shutter and OS privacy settings is the logical next step.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their laptop's built-in webcam is not working in any application. The device manager shows the camera with a yellow exclamation mark. The technician has already updated the driver to the latest version, but the issue persists. What should the technician do next?
hard- A.Uninstall the webcam driver from Device Manager and restart the laptop to let Windows reinstall it automatically.
- ✓ B.Check the laptop's physical privacy shutter or function key (e.g., Fn+F10) that may disable the camera.
- C.Replace the webcam module.
- D.Disable and re-enable the webcam in Device Manager.
Why B: A yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager indicates a driver problem, but since updating the driver did not help, the issue may be a hardware conflict or a disabled device. The next step is to check if the webcam is physically disabled via a function key (e.g., Fn+F10) or a privacy shutter. Many laptops have a hardware switch or a keyboard shortcut to disable the camera for privacy.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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