An operations team maintains a hardened Windows Server image with application prerequisites and monitoring tools already installed. They want to deploy future VMs from the same versioned image in multiple subscriptions and promote a new build only after testing. Which Azure feature should they use?

A managed disk snapshot created from one of the VMs

A snapshot captures disk state, but it is not a governed versioned image for repeatable VM deployment.

A custom script extension installed during VM provisioning

A script extension can configure software after deployment, but it does not provide a base image artifact.

An availability set containing the VMs

An availability set improves resilience, but it does not store or distribute a reusable OS image.

What does this AZ-104 question test?

OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: An Azure Compute Gallery image version — Azure Compute Gallery is the best choice when you need to publish a generalized image, control versions, and deploy that image across multiple subscriptions or regions. It supports repeatable builds and lets you roll out a tested version only when ready. That makes it ideal for standardized VM provisioning, unlike snapshots or extensions, which are not designed for governed image lifecycle management. Why others are wrong: A snapshot preserves one disk at a point in time, but it is not the same as a managed, shareable image definition. A custom script extension is for post-deployment configuration, not for supplying a reusable base image. An availability set addresses fault and update domain placement, but it does nothing for image versioning or standardized deployment.

What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?

Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.