- A
Replace the video cable with a DVI cable.
Why wrong: Changing the cable type won't fix color accuracy issues; it only affects signal transmission.
- B
Update the graphics driver.
Why wrong: While updating drivers can fix some issues, washed-out colors are usually a monitor setting or calibration problem.
- C
Adjust the color settings in the monitor's on-screen display.
Adjusting color settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature can correct washed-out colors.
- D
Set the resolution to the monitor's native resolution.
Why wrong: Native resolution affects sharpness, not color accuracy.
Question 879 of 1,020
LCD Monitor Colors Washed Out: Adjust Color Calibration
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 installing a new LCD monitor for a user who does photo editing. The user complains that colors appear washed out compared to their old CRT monitor. What should the technician adjust first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Quick Answer
The correct first step is to adjust the color settings in the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD). This is the right move because LCD monitors and older CRT monitors use fundamentally different display technologies and color gamuts; an LCD’s default settings often produce a cooler, less saturated image that appears washed out to someone accustomed to a CRT’s richer phosphor-based colors. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of display calibration and the troubleshooting order—always start with the simplest, most accessible adjustment before moving to driver updates or hardware replacement. A common trap is jumping straight to reinstalling graphics drivers or replacing the monitor, but the OSD’s color, brightness, and contrast controls are the quickest fix for a washed-out LCD. Remember the memory tip: OSD first, drivers second—the monitor’s own menu is the fastest path to accurate color.
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
✓
Adjust the color settings in the monitor's on-screen display.
LCD monitors often have different color gamuts and settings than CRTs. The most straightforward fix is to adjust the color calibration settings in the monitor's OSD or OS to improve color accuracy.
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.
- ✗
Replace the video cable with a DVI cable.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the cable type won't fix color accuracy issues; it only affects signal transmission.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver.
Why it's wrong here
While updating drivers can fix some issues, washed-out colors are usually a monitor setting or calibration problem.
- ✓
Adjust the color settings in the monitor's on-screen display.
Why this is correct
Adjusting color settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature can correct washed-out colors.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the resolution to the monitor's native resolution.
Why it's wrong here
Native resolution affects sharpness, not color accuracy.
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.
- →
Display Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Display Devices practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
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: Adjust the color settings in the monitor's on-screen display. — LCD monitors often have different color gamuts and settings than CRTs. The most straightforward fix is to adjust the color calibration settings in the monitor's OSD or OS to improve color accuracy.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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