DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You are deploying an Azure SQL Managed Instance to support a lift-and-shift migration of an on-premises SQL Server database. The application requires the ability to restore a database from a backup taken on an on-premises SQL Server 2019 instance. The backup file is stored in an Azure Storage account. You need to restore the database to the managed instance. What should you do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any migration tool can restore a native backup, when only the RESTORE DATABASE ... FROM URL command is designed for that purpose on Managed Instance.
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
✓
Use the RESTORE DATABASE statement with the FROM URL clause pointing to the backup file in Azure Storage.
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports the RESTORE DATABASE statement with the FROM URL clause, allowing you to restore a native SQL Server backup stored in Azure Blob Storage. This is the correct first step to restore the on-premises backup. Other tools like SqlPackage or DMA do not support native backup restoration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Import the backup file into an Azure SQL Database using the SqlPackage utility.
Why it's wrong here
SqlPackage is used for deploying DAC packages and BACPAC files, not for restoring native SQL Server backup files (.bak). Azure SQL Database does not support native RESTORE from a .bak file. This option is incorrect because it uses the wrong tool and target service.
- ✓
Use the RESTORE DATABASE statement with the FROM URL clause pointing to the backup file in Azure Storage.
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports native RESTORE DATABASE from a backup file stored in Azure Blob Storage using the FROM URL clause. This is the primary method for restoring on-premises backups to a managed instance, provided the backup is a full backup and the storage account is accessible with a SAS token or managed identity.
- ✗
Configure Azure Backup to back up the on-premises SQL Server and restore directly to the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Backup can back up on-premises SQL Server to Azure, but it does not support restoring directly to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The restore process would still require extracting the backup and using native restore. This option adds unnecessary complexity and does not meet the requirement.
- ✗
Use the Data Migration Assistant to migrate the database schema and data to the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
Data Migration Assistant (DMA) assesses and migrates schema and data, but it does not restore a native backup file. The scenario requires restoring from a backup, so DMA is not the appropriate tool. DMA is used for assessment and migration, not for backup restoration.
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
Deploying and Configuring Azure SQL Database
Key term
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed cloud database service that gives you nearly all the features of Microsoft SQL Server on your own server, without you having to manage the hardware or operating system.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
This DP-300 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 DP-300 exam.