Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the boundary group option "Prefer distribution points over cloud sources." This setting directly instructs Configuration Manager clients to prioritize on-premises distribution points for content, such as software updates, before falling back to cloud-based sources like a cloud management gateway. By enabling this option, the administrator ensures that devices will attempt to download from a local distribution point first, keeping traffic internal and avoiding unnecessary cloud egress costs. On the MD-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of boundary group fallback behavior, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between this setting and the "Allow fallback source locations" option. A common trap is confusing this with the "Use preferred management points" setting, which controls site assignment, not content sourcing. Memory tip: think "Local First, Cloud Last" to recall that this option forces clients to exhaust on-premises sources before reaching for the cloud.
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage, maintain, and protect devices. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An organization uses Configuration Manager to deploy software updates to Windows 10 devices. The administrator wants to ensure that devices receive updates from the local distribution point rather than the cloud. Which boundary group option should be configured?
Prefer distribution points over cloud sources
This setting forces clients to use local distribution points first.
Enable peer caching
Why wrong: Peer caching is for peer-to-peer, not the primary mechanism.
Use cloud distribution points only
Why wrong: This would bypass local distribution points.
Fallback to cloud sources
Why wrong: This allows fallback to cloud, not local preference.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Prefer distribution points over cloud sources
Option A is correct because the 'Prefer distribution points over cloud sources' boundary group option ensures that clients will attempt to download software updates from a local distribution point before falling back to a cloud-based source. This setting directly controls client behavior to prioritize on-premises distribution points, which aligns with the administrator's goal of keeping traffic local and avoiding cloud egress.
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.
Prefer distribution points over cloud sources
Why this is correct
This setting forces clients to use local distribution points first.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable peer caching
Why it's wrong here
Peer caching is for peer-to-peer, not the primary mechanism.
Use cloud distribution points only
Why it's wrong here
This would bypass local distribution points.
Fallback to cloud sources
Why it's wrong here
This allows fallback to cloud, not local preference.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Prefer distribution points over cloud sources' with 'Fallback to cloud sources,' mistakenly thinking that allowing fallback is the same as prioritizing local sources, when in fact the fallback option only enables cloud use as a last resort without establishing a preference order.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Configuration Manager boundary groups define network locations and associated site systems. The 'Prefer distribution points over cloud sources' option modifies the client's content location request logic: when enabled, the client will first query for on-premises distribution points within its current boundary group and only attempt cloud sources if no local DP is available. In a real-world scenario, this is critical for branch offices with limited WAN bandwidth where you want to avoid saturating the internet link with update downloads from Microsoft cloud services.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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FAQ
Manage, maintain, and protect devices — This question tests Manage, maintain, and protect devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Prefer distribution points over cloud sources — Option A is correct because the 'Prefer distribution points over cloud sources' boundary group option ensures that clients will attempt to download software updates from a local distribution point before falling back to a cloud-based source. This setting directly controls client behavior to prioritize on-premises distribution points, which aligns with the administrator's goal of keeping traffic local and avoiding cloud egress.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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