Quick Answer
The answer is a SQL Server failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage, as this is the only feature that guarantees both automatic failover within seconds and zero data loss on an Azure VM. FCI achieves this by operating at the instance level, where all nodes share a single set of data files on a common disk—typically Azure Shared Disks or Storage Spaces Direct—so no committed transaction is ever lost during a failover, unlike availability groups which can experience data loss even with synchronous commit if the primary fails before the secondary acknowledges the write. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between high availability solutions for IaaS scenarios; the common trap is choosing an availability group with synchronous commit, which offers automatic failover but may lose in-flight transactions. Remember the memory tip: “Cluster for zero loss, AG for near-zero loss”—FCI sacrifices storage flexibility for absolute data integrity.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You are designing a disaster recovery plan for a SQL Server 2022 on Azure VM. The solution must provide automatic failover within seconds and zero data loss. Which SQL Server feature should you use?
Backup and restore to another region
Why wrong: Not a HA solution.
Failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage
FCI provides automatic failover and zero data loss.
Always On Availability Group with synchronous commit
Why wrong: Synchronous commit can have data loss if not all replicas acknowledge.
Log shipping
Why wrong: Log shipping has manual failover and data loss.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage
Option A is correct because SQL Server failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage provides automatic failover and zero data loss at the cost of shared storage. Option B (AG with synchronous commit) has automatic failover but may have data loss in some scenarios. Option C (log shipping) has manual failover and potential data loss. Option D (backup/restore) is not a high availability solution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Backup and restore to another region
Why it's wrong here
Not a HA solution.
Failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage
Why this is correct
FCI provides automatic failover and zero data loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Always On Availability Group with synchronous commit
Why it's wrong here
Synchronous commit can have data loss if not all replicas acknowledge.
Log shipping
Why it's wrong here
Log shipping has manual failover and data loss.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage — Option A is correct because SQL Server failover cluster instance (FCI) with shared storage provides automatic failover and zero data loss at the cost of shared storage. Option B (AG with synchronous commit) has automatic failover but may have data loss in some scenarios. Option C (log shipping) has manual failover and potential data loss. Option D (backup/restore) is not a high availability solution.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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