AZ-900 AzCopy Practice Question
A company wants to synchronize files between multiple on-premises Windows file servers and Azure Blob Storage for backup and centralized access. Which Azure service BEST enables this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates assume Azure File Sync can work with any Azure storage type, but it only syncs with Azure file shares (Azure Files). The question specifically mentions 'Azure Blob Storage,' so the correct tool is AzCopy, which supports copy and sync operations to blob storage. Many test-takers mistakenly choose Azure File Sync without reading the storage type carefully.
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
✓
Azure Blob Storage with AzCopy
AzCopy is a command-line utility designed for copying data to and from Azure Blob Storage, and it supports synchronization features like incremental sync and filtering. While it is not a fully managed continuous sync service, it is the only option among the listed choices that directly addresses the requirement to synchronize files with Azure Blob Storage. Azure File Sync syncs with Azure Files (SMB file shares), not Blob Storage. Azure Data Box is for offline data transfer, and Storage Explorer is a GUI management tool, neither of which provides synchronization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Azure Blob Storage with AzCopy
Why this is correct
Correct. AzCopy can be used to synchronize files between on-premises Windows file servers and Azure Blob Storage, offering features like incremental copy and sync modes. It is the best available option for syncing directly to Blob Storage.
- ✗
Azure File Sync
Why it's wrong here
Wrong. Azure File Sync is designed to synchronize with Azure file shares (Azure Files), not Azure Blob Storage. While it provides continuous sync for file servers, it does not meet the specified requirement to sync to Blob Storage.
- ✗
Azure Data Box
Why it's wrong here
Wrong. Azure Data Box is a physical device for large-scale offline data transfer, not suitable for ongoing synchronization of files between on-premises servers and cloud storage.
- ✗
Azure Storage Explorer
Why it's wrong here
Wrong. Azure Storage Explorer is a graphical tool for managing storage accounts, but it does not provide automated synchronization capabilities.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Azure Managed Disks
Key term
Azure Files
Azure Files is a cloud-based file sharing service that lets you create and access file shares using the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol or Network File System (NFS) protocol, just like you would access files on a local network drive.
Key term
Azure File Sync
Azure File Sync is a Microsoft service that lets you centralize your file shares in Azure while keeping them accessible, fast, and editable on your local servers by caching frequently used files on-premises.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This AZ-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-900 exam.