Learn the most likely cause when a laptop fails to detect an external monitor connected through a docking station for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam. Understand troubleshooting steps and common hardware issues related to docking stations and external displays.
Table of Contents
Question
A laptop user complains that their device does not detect an external monitor connected via a docking station. The monitor works with other laptops. What is the most likely issue?
A. Incorrect display driver
B. Faulty docking station port
C. Loose HDMI cable
D. Incompatible monitor resolution
E. Disabled external display in BIOS
Answer
B. Faulty docking station port
Explanation
Since the monitor works with other laptops, the issue is likely with the docking station or its connection to the laptop. A faulty docking station port is a common cause when the external display is not detected.
When a monitor works with other laptops but is not detected when connected through a specific docking station and laptop, the most probable cause is a faulty port on the docking station. This is supported by the process of elimination: the monitor and its cable are functional, and the issue persists only with this particular docking station-laptop combination. Docking stations are known to develop port failures or internal hardware faults that can prevent proper display detection, even when other functions (like USB or Ethernet) still work.
Checking with another port or replacing the docking station often resolves the issue. Other causes—such as incorrect drivers, loose cables, incompatible resolutions, or BIOS settings—are less likely since the monitor is confirmed to work elsewhere and the issue is isolated to the docking station’s port.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam and earn CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification.