The answer is to configure attribute mapping to filter out cloud-only users from writeback. This approach works because Microsoft Entra Connect Sync uses attribute-based filtering rules to determine which objects are written back to on-premises Active Directory; by setting a condition on the source anchor or another attribute unique to cloud-only accounts, you can exclude them from the synchronization scope without affecting writeback for hybrid users. On the MS-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how writeback filtering differs from global toggles like disabling directory writeback, which would block all writeback, or using cloud filters, which control the opposite direction. A common trap is confusing Selective Password Hash Sync or cloud filters with user-level writeback control, but remember that attribute mapping gives you granular, rule-based exclusion. Memory tip: think of attribute mapping as a bouncer checking IDs—only users with a valid on-premises anchor get through the writeback door.
MS-102 Practice Question: Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage microsoft entra identity and access. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Your company is migrating from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. You plan to use Microsoft Entra Connect Sync to synchronize user accounts. The security team requires that all cloud-only users must be blocked from syncing to on-premises AD. What should you do to meet this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure attribute mapping to filter out cloud-only users from writeback
Option D is correct because using attribute mapping to filter cloud-only users (e.g., by source anchor) prevents them from being written back. Option A is wrong because disabling directory writeback would block all writeback, not just cloud-only users. Option B is wrong because Selective Password Hash Sync only affects password sync. Option C is wrong because the cloud filter is for filtering objects from cloud to on-premises, not the other way.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure attribute mapping to filter out cloud-only users from writeback
Why this is correct
Attribute filtering can prevent cloud-only users from being written back.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the cloudFilter attribute to mark cloud-only users as false
Why it's wrong here
cloudFilter controls sync from on-premises to cloud, not cloud to on-premises.
✗
Disable directory writeback in Microsoft Entra Connect Sync
Why it's wrong here
Disabling writeback blocks all writeback, not selective.
✗
Configure Selective Password Hash Sync to exclude cloud-only users
Why it's wrong here
Password Hash Sync does not control user object sync direction.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MS-102 question in full detail.
Identify which MS-102 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.
Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — This question tests Implement and manage Microsoft Entra identity and access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure attribute mapping to filter out cloud-only users from writeback — Option D is correct because using attribute mapping to filter cloud-only users (e.g., by source anchor) prevents them from being written back. Option A is wrong because disabling directory writeback would block all writeback, not just cloud-only users. Option B is wrong because Selective Password Hash Sync only affects password sync. Option C is wrong because the cloud filter is for filtering objects from cloud to on-premises, not the other way.
What should I do if I get this MS-102 question wrong?
Identify which MS-102 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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