What setting should a multimeter be on to read a circuit status without disconnecting the circuit?

Using a multimeter to read a circuit status without disconnecting the circuit requires an appropriate setting that allows for the measurement of voltage across components in a live circuit. The correct choice for this scenario is to set the multimeter to the DC Voltage or AC Voltage setting, depending on the type of circuit you are dealing with.

In practice, measuring resistance (Ohms) without disconnecting the circuit is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate readings or potential damage, since the meter might apply a voltage to measure resistance, which can conflict with the live circuitry. Current measurement also typically requires circuit interruption, as it requires the meter to be placed in series with the circuit. Therefore, the configuration for measuring voltages is ideal for assessing circuit status while keeping the circuit intact.