The answer is to search audit logs for file activities performed by a specific user. This PowerShell command, when run against the unified audit log, filters for file-related operations tied to a particular user account, typically using parameters like `-Operations` and `-UserIds` to narrow the results to the last 90 days. On the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how audit log search works within Microsoft Purview compliance portal, often appearing as a command-line exhibit where you must identify the output’s purpose. A common trap is confusing search with deletion or permission changes—remember, this command only retrieves historical records, it does not modify anything. For a quick memory tip, think “Search, not change”: the command is a read-only audit tool, not an administrative action.
SC-900 Practice Question: Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft compliance solutions. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Search audit logs for file activities performed by a specific user
The command searches the unified audit log for file-related operations by a specific user in the last 90 days. Option A is correct. It does not delete files, modify permissions, or block the user.
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.
✗
Delete all files modified by a user in the last 90 days
Why it's wrong here
The command only searches, it does not delete.
✗
Modify permissions on files uploaded by a user
Why it's wrong here
No permission modification is performed.
✓
Search audit logs for file activities performed by a specific user
Why this is correct
The command specifies operations and user IDs to search.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Block a user from uploading files
Why it's wrong here
The command does not block any user.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command only searches, it does not delete.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-900 question in full detail.
Identify which SC-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.
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Search audit logs for file activities performed by a specific user — The command searches the unified audit log for file-related operations by a specific user in the last 90 days. Option A is correct. It does not delete files, modify permissions, or block the user.
What should I do if I get this SC-900 question wrong?
Identify which SC-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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. An administrator runs this PowerShell command. What is the purpose of this command?
medium
A.To set a retention policy for the HR site.
B.To apply a retention label to all files in the HR site.
C.To delete all files in the HR site that were accessed in the last 90 days.
✓ D.To retrieve audit records of file access and modifications in the HR SharePoint site from the last 90 days.
Why D: Option B is correct because the command searches the unified audit log for file access and modification events in the HR SharePoint site from the last 90 days. Option A is wrong because it does not delete files. Option C is wrong because it does not apply labels. Option D is wrong because it does not set retention.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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This SC-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 SC-900 exam.
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