- A
Disable Secure Boot
Why wrong: Secure Boot does not affect video output.
- B
Change the primary video adapter from onboard to PCIe
This tells the firmware to initialize the discrete GPU first.
- C
Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
Why wrong: CSM helps with legacy boot, not video output priority.
- D
Update the UEFI firmware to the latest version
Why wrong: While sometimes helpful, this is not the first step; the issue is likely a setting.
Question 463 of 1,020
Primary Video Adapter UEFI Setting: Fix No Display After Graphics Card Install
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of bios / uefi. 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.
During a routine hardware upgrade, a technician installs a new graphics card. The system powers on but no display appears. The old card works fine. What UEFI setting should be checked 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 answer is to change the primary video adapter UEFI setting from onboard or auto to PCIe or PEG. This is correct because the UEFI firmware controls the video initialization order, and many motherboards default to integrated graphics output even when a discrete card is installed. By forcing the primary adapter to PCIe, you ensure the system initializes the new graphics card first, which resolves the no-display issue. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of video adapter priority and UEFI configuration—a common trap is assuming the card is faulty or the power supply is insufficient. A reliable memory tip is to think “PCIe first, display last”: if you see no output after installing a discrete card, always check the primary video adapter setting before troubleshooting hardware.
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
✓
Change the primary video adapter from onboard to PCIe
If the system has integrated graphics and a discrete card, the UEFI may default to the integrated output. Changing the primary video adapter to PCIe/ PEG forces the system to use the new card. This tests understanding of video initialization order in UEFI.
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.
- ✗
Disable Secure Boot
Why it's wrong here
Secure Boot does not affect video output.
- ✓
Change the primary video adapter from onboard to PCIe
Why this is correct
This tells the firmware to initialize the discrete GPU first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
Why it's wrong here
CSM helps with legacy boot, not video output priority.
- ✗
Update the UEFI firmware to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
While sometimes helpful, this is not the first step; the issue is likely a setting.
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
Secure Boot does not affect video output.
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.
- →
BIOS / UEFI — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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BIOS / UEFI practice questions
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All 220-1201 questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
BIOS / UEFI — This question tests BIOS / UEFI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the primary video adapter from onboard to PCIe — If the system has integrated graphics and a discrete card, the UEFI may default to the integrated output. Changing the primary video adapter to PCIe/ PEG forces the system to use the new card. This tests understanding of video initialization order in UEFI.
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.
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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