Question 758 of 919
Automatic Tuning Options in Azure SQL Database
You need to configure automatic tuning for an Azure SQL Database to automatically identify and fix performance issues. Which two tuning options can be enabled?
Quick Answer
The two automatic tuning options that can be enabled in Azure SQL Database to identify and fix performance issues are CREATE INDEX and FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN. CREATE INDEX works by automatically generating and validating non-clustered indexes based on your workload patterns, while FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN detects query plan regressions and automatically forces the last known good execution plan without manual intervention. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between tuning features that are fully autonomous versus those requiring human approval—a common trap is confusing FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN with the manual Query Store hints. Remember that both options operate in the background and can be set to automatic, but only the index recommendation (CREATE INDEX) will first appear as a “recommendation” you must verify unless you enable auto-apply. For the exam, a quick memory tip: “Force the last good plan, Create the missing index” helps you recall the two pillars of Azure SQL Database’s built-in performance troubleshooting.
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume DROP INDEX is a valid automatic tuning option because they think automatic tuning includes both creating and dropping indexes, but Azure SQL Database only supports creating indexes automatically to avoid accidental performance degradation.
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
✓
FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN
Automatic tuning in Azure SQL Database includes two main options: FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN and CREATE INDEX. FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN automatically identifies and forces the last known good query plan when a regression is detected, while CREATE INDEX automatically creates indexes to improve query performance based on workload patterns. Both options help identify and fix performance issues without manual intervention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN
Why this is correct
This is a valid automatic tuning option.
- ✓
CREATE INDEX
Why this is correct
This is a valid automatic tuning option.
- ✗
DROP INDEX
Why it's wrong here
DROP INDEX is not an automatic tuning option.
- ✗
FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN and DROP INDEX
Why it's wrong here
Includes DROP INDEX which is not an option.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on DP-300
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are configuring automatic tuning for an Azure SQL Database. The database has a heavy OLTP workload. You want to automatically correct query plan choice regressions without manual intervention. Which automatic tuning option should you enable?
hard- A.DROP_INDEX
- B.CREATE_INDEX
- C.CORRECT_INDEX
- ✓ D.FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN
Why D: FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN, is the correct automatic tuning option for Azure SQL Database to automatically correct query plan choice regressions. When the database engine detects that a newly compiled query plan performs worse than the previously known good plan, it can automatically force the last known good plan without manual intervention, which is ideal for a heavy OLTP workload where performance stability is critical.
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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