- A
Replace the HDMI cable
Why wrong: The cable is unlikely to be the issue because the monitor works with another computer using the same cable (if tested).
- B
Update the laptop's BIOS
Why wrong: BIOS updates rarely affect external display detection; this is more likely a software or configuration issue.
- C
Press the function key to switch display modes
Laptops often require pressing a function key (like F4 or F8) to enable external display output, which is the most straightforward first step.
- D
Reinstall the graphics driver
Why wrong: While a driver issue could cause this, it's less common than simply not having the correct display mode selected, so it should not be the first step.
Question 669 of 1,020
Fixing 'No Signal' on External Monitor Connected to Laptop via HDMI
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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 external monitor shows a 'No Signal' message when connected to their laptop via HDMI. The laptop display works fine. You test the monitor with another computer and it works. What should you check 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 press the function key to switch display modes, typically a combination like Fn + F4 or Fn + F8. This is the right answer because when an external monitor shows a 'No Signal' message but works fine with another computer, the problem is almost always that the laptop is not actively sending a video signal to the HDMI port. The laptop’s display mode is likely stuck on "PC screen only" rather than "Duplicate" or "Extend," and the function key toggles through these Windows display modes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of basic display output troubleshooting and the Windows + P shortcut. A common trap is immediately suspecting a faulty cable or driver, but the monitor’s confirmed functionality narrows the issue to the laptop’s output settings. Remember the memory tip: "If the monitor works elsewhere, check the laptop’s display toggle first."
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
✓
Press the function key to switch display modes
The most common cause of an external monitor showing 'No Signal' when the laptop display works fine is that the laptop is not sending video output to the external port. Pressing the function key (e.g., Fn+F4, Fn+F8, or a dedicated display toggle key) cycles through display modes (e.g., PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only). This is the first and simplest troubleshooting step because it directly addresses the output routing without introducing hardware or driver changes.
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 HDMI cable
Why it's wrong here
The cable is unlikely to be the issue because the monitor works with another computer using the same cable (if tested).
- ✗
Update the laptop's BIOS
Why it's wrong here
BIOS updates rarely affect external display detection; this is more likely a software or configuration issue.
- ✓
Press the function key to switch display modes
Why this is correct
Laptops often require pressing a function key (like F4 or F8) to enable external display output, which is the most straightforward first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reinstall the graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
While a driver issue could cause this, it's less common than simply not having the correct display mode selected, so it should not be the first step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the candidate's ability to follow a logical troubleshooting methodology (start with the simplest, most likely cause) rather than jumping to hardware replacement or driver reinstallation, and the trap here is that candidates assume a hardware fault (cable or driver) when the issue is actually a software-based output routing setting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The function key toggles the display mode by sending a command to the graphics driver (via the embedded controller or ACPI) to change the output configuration. In Windows, this triggers a mode switch that can be observed in the Display Settings or via the Win+P shortcut. A real-world scenario: a user may have accidentally pressed the function key and set the laptop to 'PC screen only', causing the external monitor to receive no signal even though the hardware is fully functional.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Display Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Display Devices practice questions
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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: Press the function key to switch display modes — The most common cause of an external monitor showing 'No Signal' when the laptop display works fine is that the laptop is not sending video output to the external port. Pressing the function key (e.g., Fn+F4, Fn+F8, or a dedicated display toggle key) cycles through display modes (e.g., PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only). This is the first and simplest troubleshooting step because it directly addresses the output routing without introducing hardware or driver changes.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Jul 4, 2026
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