The answer is Run Command for the one-time task and Custom Script Extension for the automated provisioning. Run Command is correct because it executes a command immediately on an existing Azure VM without requiring any agent or extension, making it ideal for ad-hoc troubleshooting or post-deployment tasks. Custom Script Extension, on the other hand, runs a script during VM provisioning or on an existing VM, allowing you to install agents and copy configuration files automatically as part of the deployment workflow. On the AZ-104 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of Azure compute extensions and their appropriate use cases—a common trap is confusing Run Command (which is ephemeral and agentless) with Custom Script Extension (which is persistent and runs via the VM agent). Remember the memory tip: “Run Command for a quick fix, Custom Script for a scripted mix.”
AZ-104 Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Practice Question
This AZ-104 practice question tests your understanding of deploy and manage azure compute. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Windows VM needs a one-time command run immediately after deployment, and a second VM must automatically install an agent and copy configuration files during provisioning. Which two Azure compute features should the administrator use? Select two.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run Command
Run Command (A) is correct because it allows a one-time command to be executed immediately on a Windows VM after deployment, without requiring any agent or extension. Custom Script Extension (B) is correct because it enables automated installation of an agent and copying of configuration files during VM provisioning by running a script (e.g., PowerShell or Bash) as part of the deployment process.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Run Command
Why this is correct
Executes a command on a running VM without interactive sign-in.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Custom Script Extension
Why this is correct
Runs scripts during provisioning and can install or configure software.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure Monitor agent
Why it's wrong here
Collects telemetry, but it does not perform general provisioning tasks.
✗
Azure Policy assignment
Why it's wrong here
Enforces governance, but it cannot run commands on a VM.
✗
Azure Bastion
Why it's wrong here
Provides secure remote access, but it does not automate configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Azure Monitor agent (a data-collection tool) with the ability to run scripts or install software, or they think Azure Policy can execute commands, when in fact it only audits or enforces configurations.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Enforces governance, but it cannot run commands on a VM.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Run Command uses the VM agent (Windows Guest Agent or Linux Agent) to execute scripts via the Azure Resource Manager REST API, supporting synchronous or asynchronous execution. Custom Script Extension downloads and runs scripts from Azure Storage or GitHub, and it can be invoked during VM creation via ARM templates or CLI, with the script output logged to the VM's extension status. A real-world scenario is deploying a Windows VM with a one-time domain join command via Run Command, while using Custom Script Extension to install the Azure Monitor agent and copy configuration files from a storage account.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-104 question in full detail.
Deploy and Manage Azure Compute — This question tests Deploy and Manage Azure Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run Command — Run Command (A) is correct because it allows a one-time command to be executed immediately on a Windows VM after deployment, without requiring any agent or extension. Custom Script Extension (B) is correct because it enables automated installation of an agent and copying of configuration files during VM provisioning by running a script (e.g., PowerShell or Bash) as part of the deployment process.
What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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