Quick Answer
The answer is Amazon FSx for Windows File Server and AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway. Both services provide a managed SMB file server with Active Directory integration on AWS, making them ideal for replacing an on-premises Windows file server. FSx for Windows File Server is a fully native Windows file system that supports SMB protocol and seamless AD join, while Storage Gateway File Gateway presents an SMB file share backed by Amazon S3, also integrating with AD for authentication. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between storage services that support SMB versus NFS or object storage—a common trap is confusing Amazon EFS (NFS-only) or Amazon S3 (object storage) with SMB requirements. Remember the memory tip: “SMB needs FSx or Gateway—EFS is NFS, S3 is objects, EBS is single-instance block.”
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company is migrating an on-premises application to AWS. The application stores files on a Windows file server. The company wants to replace the file server with a managed AWS service that supports SMB protocol and integrates with Active Directory. Which TWO AWS services should the company consider? (Choose TWO.)
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS).
Why wrong: Block storage, not a file system.
Amazon Elastic File System (EFS).
Why wrong: Uses NFS protocol, not SMB.
Amazon S3 with S3 File Gateway.
Why wrong: S3 is object storage; File Gateway is a separate service.
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Fully managed Windows file server with SMB and AD support.
AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway.
Provides SMB file shares backed by S3.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Options A and C are correct. Amazon FSx for Windows File Server supports SMB and Active Directory. AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway can also serve SMB files and integrates with AD. Option B is wrong because EFS is NFS, not SMB. Option D is wrong because S3 is object storage. Option E is wrong because EBS is block storage and not multi-instance accessible.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS).
Why it's wrong here
Block storage, not a file system.
Amazon Elastic File System (EFS).
Why it's wrong here
Uses NFS protocol, not SMB.
Amazon S3 with S3 File Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
S3 is object storage; File Gateway is a separate service.
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Why this is correct
Fully managed Windows file server with SMB and AD support.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway.
Why this is correct
Provides SMB file shares backed by S3.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Identify which SAP-C02 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.
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Amazon FSx for Windows File Server. — Options A and C are correct. Amazon FSx for Windows File Server supports SMB and Active Directory. AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway can also serve SMB files and integrates with AD. Option B is wrong because EFS is NFS, not SMB. Option D is wrong because S3 is object storage. Option E is wrong because EBS is block storage and not multi-instance accessible.
Identify which SAP-C02 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services 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 SAP-C02 exam.
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