Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
You are designing a backup solution for a virtual machine. Monthly backups are large VHD files (up to 1 TB) that must be retained for 7 years. After creation, backups are accessed only rarely (once or twice per year). You need to minimize storage cost. Which storage tier should you use for the VHD files?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Hot tier
Hot tier is optimized for frequent data access and has higher storage costs, not suitable for archival backups.
B
Distractor review
Cool tier
Cool tier is for infrequent access (30+ days) but still cheaper than Hot. However, for yearly access, Archive is cheaper.
C
Best answer
Archive tier
Archive tier provides the lowest storage cost for data that is accessed less than once a year and can tolerate a retrieval time of several hours.
D
Distractor review
Premium tier
Premium is for high-performance workloads like VMs; it is the most expensive tier and not for backup storage.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-204 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-204 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Archive tier — Azure Archive tier is the lowest-cost storage for data that is rarely accessed and has a retrieval latency of up to 15 hours. This is appropriate for long-term backup retention. Hot and Cool tiers are for more frequent access. Premium tier is for high-performance workloads.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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