Quick Answer
The answer is the on-premises data gateway with a cloud flow. This is correct because the on-premises data gateway acts as a secure bridge, enabling a cloud-based Power Automate flow to connect to and transfer files from a local network drive to SharePoint Online, which is a cloud service. On the PL-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Power Automate integrates with on-premises data sources; a common trap is confusing cloud flows (which run entirely in the cloud) with the gateway needed for hybrid connectivity. Remember that any time a flow needs to reach data sitting on a local server or network drive, you must pair a cloud flow with an on-premises data gateway. A simple memory tip: “Gateway for ground, cloud for sky” — if the data is on the ground (on-premises), you need the gateway to bring it up to the cloud.
This PL-900 practice question tests your understanding of demonstrate the capabilities of power automate. 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.
A company wants to automate the process of moving files from a local network drive to SharePoint Online. Which Power Automate feature should they use?
On-premises data gateway with cloud flow
Gateway enables secure on-premises access.
Cloud flow with SharePoint connector
Why wrong: Cloud flow cannot directly access on-premises drives.
UI flow
Why wrong: UI flows automate desktop applications.
Business process flow
Why wrong: Business process flows are for data entry processes.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
On-premises data gateway with cloud flow
Option C is correct because the on-premises data gateway enables connectivity to on-premises data sources. Option A is wrong because cloud flows run in the cloud. Option B is wrong because business process flows are for guided processes. Option D is wrong because UI flows are for robotic process automation, not file transfer.
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.
On-premises data gateway with cloud flow
Why this is correct
Gateway enables secure on-premises access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cloud flow with SharePoint connector
Why it's wrong here
Cloud flow cannot directly access on-premises drives.
UI flow
Why it's wrong here
UI flows automate desktop applications.
Business process flow
Why it's wrong here
Business process flows are for data entry processes.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Identify which PL-900 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.
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FAQ
Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Automate — This question tests Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Automate — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: On-premises data gateway with cloud flow — Option C is correct because the on-premises data gateway enables connectivity to on-premises data sources. Option A is wrong because cloud flows run in the cloud. Option B is wrong because business process flows are for guided processes. Option D is wrong because UI flows are for robotic process automation, not file transfer.
Identify which PL-900 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This PL-900 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 PL-900 exam.
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