1Y0-312 Advanced Provisioning and Image Management Practice Question
An administrator is using Machine Creation Services (MCS) to provision 100 non-persistent virtual desktops. The administrator needs to update the master image with a new application. Which action should be taken to ensure that all desktops receive the update while minimizing downtime?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that restarting desktops will apply a new master image, but MCS desktops require a specific update process.
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
✓
Update the master image, then use the 'Update Machines' wizard to roll out the new image.
In MCS, updating the master image and then using the 'Update Machines' wizard is the correct procedure. This wizard handles the creation of new identity disks and updates the master image reference, then performs a rolling update to minimize downtime. Other methods either do not apply the update correctly or cause unnecessary disruption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the master image, then delete and recreate the machine catalog.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting and recreating the catalog would cause significant downtime and disrupt user sessions. It is not necessary because the 'Update Machines' wizard can update existing machines. Recreating the catalog also loses any customizations and requires reconfiguration, making it an inefficient and disruptive approach.
- ✗
Update the master image, then manually restart each desktop to apply the changes.
Why it's wrong here
Manually restarting each desktop does not apply changes from the master image in an MCS environment. MCS-provisioned desktops use a copy of the master image at creation time; simply restarting them will not pick up a new master image. The administrator must use the update mechanism to propagate the new image.
- ✓
Update the master image, then use the 'Update Machines' wizard to roll out the new image.
Why this is correct
The 'Update Machines' wizard in Citrix Studio allows administrators to update the master image for a catalog. It creates new identity disks and updates the master image reference, then performs a rolling update of the desktops. This minimizes downtime because the update can be scheduled and the old machines are replaced gradually. This is the recommended method for MCS environments.
- ✗
Update the master image, then use PowerShell to update each desktop's base disk.
Why it's wrong here
While PowerShell can be used for automation, directly updating each desktop's base disk is not the supported method. MCS manages base disks through the Citrix Studio interface or APIs. Manually altering base disks can corrupt the catalog and is not a recommended practice. The 'Update Machines' wizard is the proper tool.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Citrix exam blueprint
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