- A
GitHub Actions runner application installed on the VM
The runner application executes jobs.
- B
A personal access token (PAT) for registering the runner
PAT is used to authenticate the runner.
- C
Windows operating system installed on the VM
The runner runs on Windows.
- D
IIS (Internet Information Services) running on the VM
Why wrong: IIS is not required for runners.
- E
Docker Desktop installed on the VM
Why wrong: Docker is optional, not required.
Question 295 of 928
Prerequisites for a GitHub Actions Self-Hosted Runner on Windows
This AZ-400 practice question tests your understanding of design and implement build and release pipelines. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which THREE components are required to implement a GitHub Actions self-hosted runner on a Windows virtual machine? (Choose three.)
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
✓
GitHub Actions runner application installed on the VM
Option A is correct because the GitHub Actions runner application is the software that executes workflows on the self-hosted runner. Without it, the VM cannot receive or process job requests from GitHub. The runner application handles job polling, execution, and reporting back to GitHub's API.
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.
- ✓
GitHub Actions runner application installed on the VM
Why this is correct
The runner application executes jobs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
A personal access token (PAT) for registering the runner
Why this is correct
PAT is used to authenticate the runner.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Windows operating system installed on the VM
Why this is correct
The runner runs on Windows.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
IIS (Internet Information Services) running on the VM
Why it's wrong here
IIS is not required for runners.
- ✗
Docker Desktop installed on the VM
Why it's wrong here
Docker is optional, not required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the registration token (short-lived, used only during setup) with a personal access token (PAT), but a PAT is actually required for registration when using the `config.cmd` script with the `--pat` parameter, making option B correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The self-hosted runner uses a persistent HTTPS connection to poll GitHub's Actions service for jobs. It authenticates using a registration token (not a PAT) during initial setup, then uses an OAuth token for ongoing communication. The runner runs as a service on Windows, managed via the `run.cmd` script or the `actions-runner` service manager.
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
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Design and implement build and release pipelines — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-400 question test?
Design and implement build and release pipelines — This question tests Design and implement build and release pipelines — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: GitHub Actions runner application installed on the VM — Option A is correct because the GitHub Actions runner application is the software that executes workflows on the self-hosted runner. Without it, the VM cannot receive or process job requests from GitHub. The runner application handles job polling, execution, and reporting back to GitHub's API.
What should I do if I get this AZ-400 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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