- A
HDMI to DVI adapter
Why wrong: DVI is digital and not compatible with VGA without conversion.
- B
USB-C to VGA adapter
Why wrong: The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
- C
HDMI to VGA adapter
This adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing connection to the projector.
- D
DisplayPort to VGA adapter
Why wrong: The laptop outputs HDMI, not DisplayPort, so this adapter is not suitable.
Using an HDMI to VGA Adapter to Connect a Laptop to a VGA Projector
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 setting up a conference room and needs to connect a laptop to a projector that only has a VGA input. The laptop has an HDMI output. Which adapter should the technician use?
Quick Answer
The correct choice is an HDMI to VGA adapter. This is necessary because HDMI carries a digital signal, while VGA is an analog standard, so the adapter must be an active converter that transforms the digital output from the laptop into the analog input required by the projector. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of legacy connector compatibility and signal conversion, often appearing as a straightforward hardware selection question. A common trap is confusing this with a simple passive cable, but remember that VGA’s analog nature demands active electronics inside the adapter. For a quick memory tip, think “Digital to Analog = Active Adapter” to recall that HDMI to VGA requires power to convert the signal.
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
HDMI to VGA adapter
HDMI to VGA adapters are common for connecting modern laptops to older projectors. VGA is an analog signal, so the adapter must be active to convert digital HDMI to analog VGA. This question tests knowledge of legacy connector compatibility.
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.
- ✗
HDMI to DVI adapter
Why it's wrong here
DVI is digital and not compatible with VGA without conversion.
- ✗
USB-C to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
- ✓
HDMI to VGA adapter
Why this is correct
This adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing connection to the projector.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DisplayPort to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
The laptop outputs HDMI, not DisplayPort, so this adapter is not suitable.
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
Command / output trap
The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
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
- →
Connectors 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?
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: HDMI to VGA adapter — HDMI to VGA adapters are common for connecting modern laptops to older projectors. VGA is an analog signal, so the adapter must be active to convert digital HDMI to analog VGA. This question tests knowledge of legacy connector compatibility.
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
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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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