- A
The SSD uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, which is incompatible.
Why wrong: USB-A to USB-C cables are common and compatible if the devices support the same protocol; this scenario uses a USB-C SSD.
- B
The laptop's USB-C port is damaged and needs replacement.
Why wrong: While possible, the SSD works on another computer, making a damaged port on the laptop less likely than a protocol mismatch.
- C
The SSD requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection, which the laptop lacks.
Why wrong: Thunderbolt 3 is a specific protocol over USB-C, but the SSD is USB 3.2 Gen 2, not Thunderbolt.
- D
The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
USB-C ports may only support USB 2.0 or 3.0; a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device may not work if the port lacks that protocol support.
Question 119 of 1,020
USB-C Port Protocol Support: Troubleshooting SSD Detection
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 customer reports that their new external SSD, which uses a USB-C connector, is not being detected by their Windows laptop. The laptop has USB-C ports that support USB 3.2 Gen 2. The SSD works fine on another computer. Which connector-related issue is most likely the cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the laptop’s USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol required by the SSD. This is the most likely cause because USB-C is merely a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of any specific protocol or speed; a USB-C port can support USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort, and if it lacks the exact USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard the SSD expects, the drive may not be detected at all. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between connector types and supported protocols—a common trap is assuming any USB-C port works with any USB-C device. Remember the key distinction: USB-C defines the plug, not the protocol. A useful memory tip is “Shape is not speed”—the physical port shape tells you nothing about the data standard it supports.
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
✓
The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
The correct answer is D because USB-C ports can support different protocols (USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort), and if the laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard required by the SSD, the device may not be detected. This tests understanding that USB-C is a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of a specific protocol or speed.
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.
- ✗
The SSD uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, which is incompatible.
Why it's wrong here
USB-A to USB-C cables are common and compatible if the devices support the same protocol; this scenario uses a USB-C SSD.
- ✗
The laptop's USB-C port is damaged and needs replacement.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the SSD works on another computer, making a damaged port on the laptop less likely than a protocol mismatch.
- ✗
The SSD requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection, which the laptop lacks.
Why it's wrong here
Thunderbolt 3 is a specific protocol over USB-C, but the SSD is USB 3.2 Gen 2, not Thunderbolt.
- ✓
The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
Why this is correct
USB-C ports may only support USB 2.0 or 3.0; a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device may not work if the port lacks that protocol support.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
USB-A to USB-C cables are common and compatible if the devices support the same protocol; this scenario uses a USB-C SSD.
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.
- →
Connectors — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Connectors practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol. — The correct answer is D because USB-C ports can support different protocols (USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort), and if the laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard required by the SSD, the device may not be detected. This tests understanding that USB-C is a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of a specific protocol or speed.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
2 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 customer says their external hard drive is not recognized by their laptop. The drive uses a USB-C connector and the laptop has both USB-A and USB-C ports. Which connector type should be used to ensure the fastest possible data transfer?
easy- A.USB-A to USB-B cable
- ✓ B.USB-C to USB-C cable
- C.USB-A to USB-C adapter
- D.Micro-USB to USB-C cable
Why B: USB-C supports faster data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps or more) compared to USB-A's typical 5 Gbps, and it is the correct connector for the drive. Using a USB-A port would require an adapter and may limit speed. This question tests knowledge of USB connector generations and their performance capabilities.
Variation 2. A customer reports that their external hard drive, which uses a USB-C connection, is not being recognized by their laptop. The drive works fine on another computer. The laptop has only USB-A ports. Which adapter should be used to connect the drive?
easy- A.USB-A male to USB-C male cable
- ✓ B.USB-C male to USB-A female adapter
- C.USB-C female to USB-A female adapter
- D.USB-A female to USB-C female adapter
Why B: USB-C to USB-A adapters are common for connecting newer devices to older ports. The correct answer is a USB-C male to USB-A female adapter, which allows the drive's USB-C cable to plug into a USB-A port.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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