Microsoft  AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam  Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 1  Q 1 – 20 

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Question 1:

You are configuring a new Windows Server 2022 hybrid environment that includes on-premises servers and Azure resources. You need to ensure that all Windows Admin Center connections to your servers use secure HTTPS communication with certificates issued by a trusted internal CA. Which action should you perform?

A) Configure Windows Admin Center to use self-signed certificates.

B) Install a certificate issued by a trusted internal CA on the Windows Admin Center gateway server.

C) Enable HTTP connections in Windows Admin Center.

D) Configure Windows Admin Center to use Azure AD authentication only.

Answer: B) Install a certificate issued by a trusted internal CA on the Windows Admin Center gateway server.

Explanation:

A) Configuring Windows Admin Center to use self-signed certificates is not ideal in an enterprise environment. Self-signed certificates can encrypt communication, but they are not trusted by clients by default, leading to security warnings and potential connection issues. While this might work in small lab environments or testing scenarios, it fails to meet enterprise security standards where certificates should be issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Self-signed certificates also require manual trust configuration on each client machine, which is cumbersome and error-prone.

B) Installing a certificate issued by a trusted internal CA on the Windows Admin Center gateway server is the correct approach. Trusted certificates from an internal CA or a public CA are automatically recognized by clients in the domain, ensuring secure HTTPS communication without warnings. This configuration aligns with best practices for enterprise security and hybrid environments. It provides encrypted communication between the Windows Admin Center and the servers it manages, which is critical for protecting sensitive administrative credentials and data exchanged across both on-premises and cloud resources. Using a certificate from a trusted CA also simplifies maintenance and certificate renewal through automated processes like Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) or Azure Key Vault integration.

C) Enabling HTTP connections in Windows Admin Center would allow non-encrypted communication, which is highly insecure. HTTP transmits data, including credentials, in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception and attacks like man-in-the-middle (MITM). In a hybrid environment connecting on-premises servers with cloud resources, enabling HTTP would violate security compliance policies and expose sensitive administrative traffic.

D) Configuring Windows Admin Center to use Azure AD authentication only does not inherently secure the communication channel. While Azure AD authentication provides identity verification and single sign-on capabilities, the connection itself still requires HTTPS for encryption. Without installing a trusted certificate, the communication could still be insecure or result in browser trust warnings. Therefore, authentication alone does not replace the need for a properly issued HTTPS certificate.

The correct approach combines both secure identity verification and encrypted communication. By installing a certificate issued by a trusted CA, Windows Admin Center ensures both secure HTTPS connections and seamless client trust, allowing hybrid infrastructure administration without warnings or vulnerabilities.

Question 2:

Your company plans to implement Azure File Sync to synchronize an on-premises Windows Server 2022 file server with Azure Files. You need to ensure that the files remain available on-premises and in Azure, even if the server loses connectivity to Azure. Which configuration should you use?

A) Cloud Tiering enabled.

B) Cloud Tiering disabled.

C) Enable Azure Backup for the server.

D) Enable DFS Replication between the server and Azure Files.

Answer: B) Cloud Tiering disabled.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync allows frequently accessed files to remain on the server while less frequently accessed files are tiered to Azure, saving local storage. While this is a useful feature for optimizing disk usage, it means some files exist only in Azure when the server loses connectivity. If connectivity is interrupted, users may not be able to access tiered files locally, violating the requirement for local availability.

B) Disabling Cloud Tiering ensures all files remain fully present on the on-premises server as well as synchronized in Azure Files. This configuration guarantees that file availability is not dependent on connectivity to Azure. In a scenario where network disruptions occur, users can still access files directly from the local server, satisfying the requirement to maintain on-premises availability. Additionally, all changes will synchronize with Azure when connectivity is restored, maintaining a complete hybrid file system without gaps.

C) Enabling Azure Backup for the server provides data protection by creating backups in Azure. While this ensures recovery in the event of a failure, it does not make files continuously available in Azure for access. Backup is a recovery mechanism, not a real-time availability solution, so this does not meet the requirement for users to access files while offline from Azure.

D) Enabling DFS Replication between the server and Azure Files is not supported. DFS Replication works for on-premises servers but cannot directly replicate files to Azure Files. Azure File Sync is the supported method for hybrid file replication to Azure. Attempting DFS Replication with Azure Files would fail or create unsupported configurations.

By disabling Cloud Tiering, organizations ensure that all files are stored both on-premises and in Azure. This guarantees continuity of access regardless of network status while maintaining synchronization to the cloud for redundancy and disaster recovery.

Question 3:

You manage a hybrid Windows Server environment. Your organization wants to implement Azure AD Join for all Windows Server 2022 machines. You need to automate the deployment of servers to Azure AD Join during provisioning. Which solution is the best approach?

A) Use Group Policy to join servers to Azure AD.

B) Configure servers to use Azure AD Connect.

C) Use Autopilot deployment profiles for Windows Server 2022.

D) Manually join each server to Azure AD after installation.

Answer: C) Use Autopilot deployment profiles for Windows Server 2022.

Explanation:

A) Group Policy cannot directly join Windows Server machines to Azure AD. Group Policy is a traditional on-premises Active Directory tool, and while it can enforce settings and configurations, it does not provide the ability to register or join devices to Azure AD during provisioning. Relying on Group Policy would require hybrid join after deployment, which is not automated.

B) Azure AD Connect synchronizes on-premises Active Directory objects, such as users and devices, to Azure AD. However, it does not automate the device join process for Windows Server machines. Azure AD Connect enables hybrid identity, but devices still need to be registered or joined separately. Therefore, it does not satisfy the requirement to automatically join servers during provisioning.

C) Autopilot deployment profiles are designed to automate the deployment and configuration of Windows devices, including servers. By creating an Autopilot profile, you can specify Azure AD Join settings, enrollment in Microsoft Intune, and other post-deployment configurations. This approach ensures that newly provisioned Windows Server 2022 machines are automatically registered with Azure AD without manual intervention, streamlining deployment in a hybrid cloud environment. It meets enterprise standards for scalability and reduces administrative overhead.

D) Manually joining each server to Azure AD is a valid but inefficient method. For large environments, this approach is time-consuming, error-prone, and does not meet the requirement for automated deployment. Manual intervention negates the benefits of modern cloud provisioning tools like Autopilot.

Autopilot provides the most efficient, automated, and scalable method to ensure all Windows Server 2022 machines are joined to Azure AD during deployment, aligning with hybrid cloud best practices.

Question 4:

You are implementing Windows Admin Center in a hybrid environment. You want to monitor performance and health of multiple Windows Server 2022 servers and generate reports automatically. Which solution is recommended?

A) Enable Performance Monitor on each server individually.

B) Configure Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and schedule reports.

C) Use Event Viewer to manually collect performance data.

D) Enable Storage Replica on all servers.

Answer: B) Configure Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and schedule reports.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Performance Monitor on each server individually allows administrators to collect metrics locally, but it is not scalable. Configuring and monitoring multiple servers manually increases administrative overhead and is prone to human error. This approach does not provide centralized reporting or automated insights.

B) Configuring Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension allows centralized monitoring of multiple servers. The Insights extension can collect performance data, track health metrics, and generate automated reports across hybrid environments. It is scalable, provides dashboards, and allows scheduling of reports for proactive management. This approach aligns with enterprise hybrid monitoring best practices and minimizes manual effort while maintaining comprehensive visibility.

C) Using Event Viewer to manually collect performance data is inefficient and reactive rather than proactive. Event Viewer is useful for troubleshooting but does not provide a scalable way to generate automated performance reports or monitor multiple servers consistently.

D) Enabling Storage Replica is unrelated to monitoring server performance or health. Storage Replica is a high-availability and disaster recovery feature for synchronizing volumes between servers, not a performance monitoring tool. It does not provide insights or reporting capabilities.

Using Windows Admin Center with Insights ensures automated, scalable monitoring and reporting across hybrid servers, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

Question 5:

Your company has a Windows Server 2022 environment with hybrid identity enabled. You need to ensure that only devices compliant with Intune policies can access corporate resources. Which solution should you implement?

A) Configure Conditional Access policies in Azure AD.

B) Enable Windows Defender Firewall on all devices.

C) Use Group Policy to block non-compliant devices.

D) Enable BitLocker encryption on all servers.

Answer:  A) Configure Conditional Access policies in Azure AD.

Explanation:

A) Conditional Access policies in Azure AD allow administrators to enforce access requirements based on device compliance, user location, and risk levels. By integrating with Intune, Azure AD can evaluate whether a device meets compliance requirements before granting access to corporate resources such as SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, or VPN connections. This ensures that only devices adhering to security and compliance policies can connect, protecting sensitive data and meeting regulatory standards. Conditional Access policies are dynamic and scalable, applying consistently across hybrid environments.

B) Enabling Windows Defender Firewall is important for securing devices from network threats but does not enforce device compliance for access to corporate resources. While firewall rules protect endpoints, they do not determine whether a device meets Intune or Azure AD compliance standards, so this alone is insufficient.

C) Using Group Policy to block non-compliant devices is not effective in a hybrid cloud scenario. Group Policy applies to on-premises AD-joined devices but does not manage or enforce compliance for devices registered with Azure AD or managed by Intune. This approach cannot fully enforce conditional access in cloud-integrated environments.

D) Enabling BitLocker encryption enhances data protection on devices but does not automatically enforce compliance or control access to corporate resources. While BitLocker may be part of a compliance policy, it does not by itself prevent non-compliant devices from accessing resources.

Conditional Access policies in Azure AD provide a direct, integrated, and enforceable mechanism for ensuring only compliant devices access corporate resources, making it the most appropriate solution in a hybrid identity environment.

 Question 6:

You are configuring a Windows Server 2022 failover cluster in a hybrid environment. You want to ensure that the cluster nodes can maintain quorum even if the network connection to Azure is temporarily lost. Which quorum configuration should you use?

A) Node Majority

B) Node and Disk Majority

C) Node and File Share Majority

D) No Majority (Disk Only)

Answer: C) Node and File Share Majority

Explanation:

A) Node Majority quorum is appropriate for clusters with an odd number of nodes, where the cluster can maintain quorum based solely on node votes. While this works well for on-premises clusters with stable connectivity, it does not account for hybrid scenarios where external connectivity to Azure may be intermittent. If a cluster in a hybrid environment relies solely on node votes, temporary loss of connectivity could cause the cluster to lose quorum if nodes are unable to communicate consistently.

B) Node and Disk Majority uses a shared disk as a witness to maintain quorum alongside node votes. While this provides resiliency against node failures, it requires a physical or cloud-attached disk that may not be accessible if network connectivity to Azure is lost. If the witness disk resides in a location dependent on network access, temporary outages could compromise cluster quorum. This makes it less reliable in hybrid scenarios where connectivity may fluctuate.

C) Node and File Share Majority is the recommended configuration in hybrid environments. It allows the cluster to maintain quorum using both node votes and a file share witness that can be hosted on a highly available and independent location, including Azure or on-premises file servers. By placing the file share witness on a location accessible by all cluster nodes, the cluster can survive temporary network outages and maintain quorum. This configuration ensures that nodes can continue cluster operations even if external network connectivity is interrupted, making it ideal for hybrid deployments where cloud and on-premises nodes coexist.

D) No Majority (Disk Only) relies solely on a disk witness without considering node votes. This configuration is rarely recommended because if the disk fails or becomes inaccessible, the cluster cannot maintain quorum. In hybrid scenarios, where the disk might be in a cloud environment, relying only on a disk witness introduces high risk of cluster downtime during network interruptions.

Choosing Node and File Share Majority ensures the cluster has both node votes and a resilient witness location. This combination provides redundancy and maintains high availability during transient network issues, which is critical in hybrid infrastructure where connectivity to Azure is not guaranteed at all times.

Question 7:

You are planning to implement Windows Admin Center to manage a hybrid environment with both on-premises and Azure-based servers. You need to ensure that administrators can perform server management tasks remotely without exposing RDP to the internet. Which configuration should you implement?

A) Enable RDP access for each server over the internet.

B) Use Windows Admin Center gateway with HTTPS and Azure AD authentication.

C) Configure VPN access for each administrator.

D) Deploy PowerShell Remoting over HTTP.

Answer: B) Use Windows Admin Center gateway with HTTPS and Azure AD authentication.

Explanation:

A) Enabling RDP over the internet exposes servers to potential attacks, including brute-force attempts, malware, and other security threats. Even with strong passwords or Network Level Authentication (NLA), directly exposing RDP is considered high-risk and does not align with modern hybrid security practices. This approach is unsafe for both on-premises and cloud servers.

B) Using Windows Admin Center with a gateway secured by HTTPS and Azure AD authentication is the recommended method. This configuration allows administrators to perform management tasks remotely without opening RDP ports to the internet. The gateway acts as a secure intermediary, encrypting all traffic and leveraging Azure AD for authentication and access control. It supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access policies, and auditing, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive servers. By using HTTPS, all management traffic is encrypted, reducing risk of data interception. This approach is scalable, secure, and fully compatible with hybrid deployments where administrators need centralized remote management capabilities.

C) Configuring VPN access for each administrator provides secure connectivity but introduces significant overhead for user management, network configuration, and scalability. While VPNs encrypt traffic and allow remote access to internal resources, they do not provide centralized management, auditing, or policy enforcement for hybrid servers. This solution is less efficient than using Windows Admin Center with Azure AD integration.

D) Deploying PowerShell Remoting over HTTP is insecure because HTTP does not encrypt communication. Although PowerShell Remoting over HTTPS can be secure, configuring HTTP exposes credentials and data in transit, which is not acceptable in hybrid cloud environments. Using HTTP would violate security best practices and does not provide centralized GUI-based management like Windows Admin Center.

Using Windows Admin Center with HTTPS and Azure AD authentication ensures administrators can manage both on-premises and cloud servers securely, without exposing RDP to external networks, aligning with enterprise hybrid security standards.

Question 8:

You are configuring Azure File Sync on an on-premises file server. Your organization requires that only specific users can access certain folders based on their Active Directory group membership. How can you achieve this?

A) Configure NTFS permissions on the on-premises file server.

B) Configure Azure role-based access control (RBAC) for Azure Files.

C) Enable public access to the file share and rely on password protection.

D) Use DFS Replication to enforce permissions.

Answer: A) Configure NTFS permissions on the on-premises file server.

Explanation:

A) Configuring NTFS permissions on the local file server is the correct approach. NTFS permissions allow precise control over folder and file access based on user and group membership in Active Directory. Azure File Sync respects these NTFS permissions during synchronization, ensuring that security and access policies applied on-premises are maintained in Azure Files. Users will only have access to folders for which they have explicit permissions, and changes to NTFS security settings propagate to Azure via File Sync. This method integrates seamlessly with existing hybrid identity setups and ensures security compliance.

B) Azure RBAC controls access to Azure resources, such as storage accounts and file shares. While RBAC can manage administrative access at the storage level, it cannot enforce granular folder-level permissions inside a file share. To restrict access to specific folders for different user groups, NTFS permissions must be applied. Relying solely on RBAC would not satisfy the requirement to control folder-level access based on AD groups.

C) Enabling public access and relying on password protection is insecure and violates organizational security policies. Public access exposes sensitive data to anyone with the link, and password-based protection is easily compromised. This approach does not meet enterprise security standards or compliance requirements.

D) DFS Replication replicates data between servers but does not enforce or manage access permissions. While DFS can replicate files, NTFS permissions must still be applied on each server to control user access. DFS cannot replace proper permission management.

NTFS permissions provide a secure, granular, and hybrid-compatible solution for controlling access to folders on Azure File Sync-enabled servers, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive data.

Question 9:

Your organization plans to implement Azure AD Join for all Windows Server 2022 virtual machines in Azure. You want to ensure that servers receive automatic security updates and baseline configurations. Which solution is the most appropriate?

A) Configure Windows Update manually on each server.

B) Use Group Policy to push settings from on-premises AD.

C) Deploy Microsoft Intune for device management.

D) Enable Azure Backup for all servers.

Answer: C) Deploy Microsoft Intune for device management.

Explanation:

A) Configuring Windows Update manually on each server is inefficient and error-prone. It is not scalable for large environments and cannot enforce compliance with corporate baselines. Manual updates also leave gaps where some servers may miss critical patches, increasing security risk.

B) Group Policy works well for on-premises Active Directory environments but cannot manage Azure AD Join-only servers. Policies cannot be applied directly to cloud-joined servers without hybrid management tools. Therefore, this approach does not satisfy the requirement for automatic updates and baseline enforcement.

C) Deploying Microsoft Intune provides centralized management for Azure AD Join devices. Intune can enforce security baselines, deploy patches automatically, and configure compliance policies across all servers. It also integrates with Conditional Access to ensure only compliant devices access corporate resources. Intune supports reporting, monitoring, and remediation, making it the optimal solution for hybrid and cloud-first environments where servers must be automatically updated and compliant with organizational standards.

D) Enabling Azure Backup ensures data protection but does not manage updates or enforce security baselines. Backup is for recovery purposes only and does not meet the requirement for proactive configuration and patch management.

Intune provides a scalable, automated, and secure method for managing Azure AD Join servers, enforcing updates, and applying baseline configurations across the hybrid environment.

Question 10:

You are implementing Windows Admin Center in a hybrid environment. You want to enable Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) so that specific administrators can only manage certain servers. Which approach should you take?

A) Configure local user accounts on each server.

B) Use Windows Admin Center Role-Based Access Control extension.

C) Enable RDP and restrict access via firewall rules.

D) Use Group Policy to restrict server management access.

Answer: B) Use Windows Admin Center Role-Based Access Control extension.

Explanation:

A) Configuring local user accounts on each server is not scalable for hybrid environments. Maintaining individual accounts across many servers increases administrative overhead, is error-prone, and does not integrate with centralized identity systems such as Azure AD. Local accounts cannot enforce consistent RBAC policies across the environment.

B) Using the Windows Admin Center RBAC extension allows administrators to define roles, assign them to users or groups, and control access to specific servers from a central console. This approach integrates with Active Directory or Azure AD for identity management and provides granular control over server administration without needing local accounts. RBAC ensures that administrators can only manage the servers they are authorized to, reducing security risk and enforcing separation of duties. This solution is fully scalable and aligns with hybrid infrastructure best practices.

C) Enabling RDP and restricting access via firewall rules provides very coarse access control. While network-level restrictions may block unauthorized access, they cannot provide the granularity required for RBAC. This approach also does not integrate with centralized identity management and requires additional manual maintenance.

D) Using Group Policy to restrict server management access works in on-premises environments but does not scale to hybrid or cloud-joined servers. Group Policy cannot directly control access to Windows Admin Center itself, and therefore cannot enforce role-based administration in a hybrid setup.

The Windows Admin Center RBAC extension provides centralized, scalable, and secure control over which administrators can manage specific servers, aligning with modern hybrid administration practices and enterprise security requirements.

Question 11:

Your organization plans to deploy a hybrid Windows Server 2022 environment with Active Directory and Azure AD. You need to ensure that on-premises users can access cloud resources using their existing credentials without re-entering passwords. Which solution should you implement?

A) Enable Azure AD Join for all devices.

B) Deploy Azure AD Connect with Password Hash Synchronization.

C) Configure Windows Hello for Business.

D) Use Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS).

Answer: B) Deploy Azure AD Connect with Password Hash Synchronization.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Azure AD Join allows devices to register directly with Azure AD, providing modern management capabilities and integration with cloud services. However, this alone does not synchronize on-premises passwords with Azure AD, and users would still need to enter their credentials for cloud resources unless additional identity synchronization methods are implemented. Azure AD Join is ideal for cloud-first devices but does not fulfill the requirement for seamless single sign-on (SSO) using existing on-premises credentials.

B) Deploying Azure AD Connect with Password Hash Synchronization is the correct solution. This setup synchronizes on-premises Active Directory user credentials to Azure AD in the form of password hashes, allowing users to access cloud resources using the same passwords they use on-premises. It enables SSO across hybrid environments, ensuring minimal disruption to users while providing secure authentication to cloud services like Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, and Azure-hosted applications. Password Hash Synchronization is easy to implement, requires minimal infrastructure, and is supported for hybrid identity scenarios. By synchronizing password hashes, users authenticate using the same credentials without needing to re-enter passwords, satisfying the requirement for seamless access across hybrid environments.

C) Configuring Windows Hello for Business enhances device authentication by using biometrics or PINs, which provides strong security and reduces reliance on passwords. However, it does not synchronize passwords or enable SSO for cloud resources by itself. Windows Hello for Business is primarily a device-based authentication mechanism, not a solution for hybrid identity synchronization, so it does not meet the stated requirement.

D) Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) allows federated authentication between on-premises AD and Azure AD, providing SSO without storing password hashes in the cloud. While AD FS achieves SSO, it requires additional infrastructure, including federation servers and network configurations. Password Hash Synchronization via Azure AD Connect is generally simpler to implement and maintain for most hybrid environments unless strict security or compliance requirements mandate federation. AD FS is more complex and introduces potential points of failure compared to password hash sync.

By deploying Azure AD Connect with Password Hash Synchronization, your organization achieves seamless hybrid identity, allowing users to authenticate to cloud resources with existing on-premises credentials while maintaining security and simplicity. This ensures both operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

Question 12:

You manage a hybrid Windows Server 2022 environment with multiple file servers. You need to deploy Azure File Sync to centralize file storage in Azure while optimizing local storage on servers. Which configuration should you use?

A) Enable Cloud Tiering.

B) Disable Cloud Tiering.

C) Use DFS Replication.

D) Enable Azure Backup on all servers.

Answer: A) Enable Cloud Tiering.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync is the correct approach for optimizing local storage while maintaining centralization in Azure. Cloud Tiering allows frequently accessed files to remain on the local server while less frequently accessed files are moved to Azure Files. This reduces the storage footprint on local servers without sacrificing accessibility. Files not stored locally are represented by stubs that maintain metadata, allowing users to access them as if they were still on the server. When a user accesses a tiered file, it is automatically downloaded from Azure, ensuring seamless access. Cloud Tiering also enables centralized backups, disaster recovery, and collaboration without requiring excessive on-premises storage. This configuration provides a hybrid storage solution that balances cost, performance, and availability.

B) Disabling Cloud Tiering keeps all files fully present on the local server. While this ensures complete offline availability, it does not optimize local storage. In environments with large datasets, keeping all files on-premises may lead to increased storage costs, slower replication, and administrative overhead. This configuration is suitable only when full local access is required but does not meet the goal of storage optimization.

C) Using DFS Replication allows data replication across multiple on-premises servers, ensuring redundancy and high availability. However, DFS Replication does not integrate with Azure Files and cannot provide cloud-based tiering or centralization. While DFS is useful for on-premises redundancy, it does not fulfill the requirement of optimizing local storage while centralizing in Azure.

D) Enabling Azure Backup protects server data by storing it in Azure for recovery purposes. Backup provides data protection but does not actively manage storage usage or reduce local storage requirements. Backup does not optimize local disk space or allow seamless tiering, so it is not sufficient for the stated requirement.

Cloud Tiering offers an elegant hybrid solution where local storage is optimized, files are centralized in Azure, and users can access all files seamlessly. It combines performance, cost-efficiency, and high availability, making it the preferred configuration in hybrid file environments.

Question 13:

You are configuring Windows Server 2022 in a hybrid environment. You need to ensure that all servers have baseline security configurations applied automatically and can be audited for compliance. Which solution should you implement?

A) Configure Security Policies via Group Policy.

B) Deploy Microsoft Intune with Security Baselines.

C) Enable Windows Defender Antivirus on each server.

D) Use Azure Backup to protect servers.

Answer: B) Deploy Microsoft Intune with Security Baselines.

Explanation:

A) Configuring Security Policies via Group Policy is effective for on-premises servers joined to Active Directory. Group Policy allows administrators to enforce settings for password policies, firewall configurations, and more. However, it does not cover Azure AD-joined servers, cloud-only workloads, or hybrid configurations. Additionally, Group Policy lacks built-in auditing and compliance reporting across hybrid environments, limiting visibility into overall security posture.

B) Deploying Microsoft Intune with Security Baselines is the correct approach for hybrid environments. Intune provides cloud-based device management and allows administrators to deploy pre-configured security baselines across all managed servers, including Windows Server 2022. Baselines include recommended configurations for firewall rules, BitLocker encryption, account policies, and audit settings. Intune also provides reporting, alerting, and compliance dashboards, enabling administrators to monitor and enforce security policies consistently. This approach reduces manual effort, ensures standardization, and integrates with Azure AD for unified identity and device management, fulfilling both automation and auditing requirements.

C) Enabling Windows Defender Antivirus enhances endpoint protection but does not enforce baseline security configurations. Antivirus alone cannot configure firewall settings, audit policies, or account controls. It provides protection against malware but does not satisfy the requirement for automated security configuration and compliance auditing across servers.

D) Using Azure Backup protects data by storing server snapshots in Azure. While backup is critical for disaster recovery, it does not enforce security baselines or allow auditing of compliance configurations. Backup ensures recoverability, not baseline security enforcement.

Intune with Security Baselines provides a centralized, automated, and auditable method for applying security configurations across hybrid environments. It ensures that all servers maintain consistent security posture while reducing administrative overhead and providing compliance visibility.

Question 14:

You are implementing Windows Admin Center to manage multiple Windows Server 2022 instances in a hybrid cloud environment. You want to monitor server health, generate reports, and receive alerts automatically. Which solution should you configure?

A) Enable Performance Monitor on each server individually.

B) Use Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and scheduled reporting.

C) Deploy Azure Backup for monitoring.

D) Use DFS Replication to track server health.

Answer: B) Use Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and scheduled reporting.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Performance Monitor individually on each server allows collection of metrics and local monitoring. However, this approach is not scalable for hybrid environments with numerous servers. It requires manual configuration, lacks centralization, and does not support automated report generation or alerting. Administrators would need to manually aggregate metrics, making proactive monitoring impractical.

B) Using Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension is the correct approach. The Insights extension provides centralized dashboards, performance monitoring, health checks, and automated report generation across all managed servers. It can track CPU, memory, disk usage, and other key metrics, while also providing alerts for abnormal conditions. Insights integrates with both on-premises and Azure-hosted servers, offering hybrid visibility and allowing administrators to proactively address issues before they impact operations. Scheduled reporting ensures management teams receive regular updates without manual intervention, enabling efficient operations and compliance tracking.

C) Deploying Azure Backup protects server data but does not provide performance monitoring or health insights. Backup ensures data recoverability in the event of failure but cannot track server health, generate reports, or trigger alerts. Using backup alone would not satisfy the requirement for automated monitoring and reporting.

D) DFS Replication replicates files between servers but does not monitor system performance or health. While DFS ensures data consistency across multiple servers, it is not designed for reporting, alerting, or centralized health monitoring.

Windows Admin Center with Insights provides an enterprise-grade solution for hybrid monitoring, enabling proactive management, centralized visibility, automated reporting, and alerting across both on-premises and cloud servers.

Question 15:

You are planning a hybrid Windows Server 2022 deployment with Azure integration. You need to ensure that only compliant devices can access Microsoft 365 services. Which solution should you implement?

A) Configure Conditional Access policies in Azure AD.

B) Enable Windows Defender Firewall on all devices.

C) Use local Group Policy to block non-compliant devices.

D) Enable BitLocker encryption on all servers.

Answer: A) Configure Conditional Access policies in Azure AD.

Explanation:

A) Configuring Conditional Access policies in Azure AD is the correct solution. Conditional Access evaluates device compliance, user identity, location, and risk before granting access to cloud resources such as Microsoft 365. By integrating with Intune, Conditional Access can enforce policies that block non-compliant devices while allowing access from devices that meet security and compliance requirements. This ensures that corporate resources are protected while maintaining user productivity. Conditional Access is dynamic, centrally managed, and works across hybrid environments, providing granular control over access based on organizational policies.

B) Enabling Windows Defender Firewall is important for endpoint security, but it does not evaluate device compliance or enforce access policies for cloud resources. Firewall settings cannot determine whether a device meets Intune compliance requirements, so this alone cannot ensure that only compliant devices access Microsoft 365.

C) Using local Group Policy to block non-compliant devices works only for on-premises domain-joined devices. It cannot enforce compliance for Azure AD-joined or hybrid devices and does not integrate with Conditional Access policies in Microsoft 365. This makes it unsuitable for hybrid or cloud-first environments.

D) Enabling BitLocker encryption protects data at rest on devices but does not control access to cloud resources. While BitLocker may be a compliance requirement, it does not enforce real-time access policies or evaluate overall device compliance.

Conditional Access policies in Azure AD provide a robust, scalable, and dynamic solution for ensuring only compliant devices can access Microsoft 365 services, integrating seamlessly with Intune and hybrid environments.

Question 16:

You are planning to implement Windows Server 2022 in a hybrid environment. You need to ensure that servers automatically register DNS records in both on-premises DNS and Azure DNS for seamless name resolution. Which solution should you implement?

A) Configure manual DNS entries on each server.

B) Enable dynamic DNS registration for on-premises AD and integrate with Azure DNS via Azure Private DNS.

C) Use hosts files on all servers to map names manually.

D) Configure static IP addresses and rely on static DNS entries only.

Answer: B) Enable dynamic DNS registration for on-premises AD and integrate with Azure DNS via Azure Private DNS.

Explanation:

A) Configuring manual DNS entries on each server is technically feasible but not practical for hybrid environments. Manual entries are error-prone, time-consuming, and do not scale as the environment grows. Administrators would need to update every server whenever IP addresses change or new servers are added. This approach cannot support dynamic cloud-based workloads, where virtual machines may have dynamic IP addresses. Manual configuration also lacks automated propagation to Azure DNS, which is essential for hybrid scenarios.

B) Enabling dynamic DNS registration for on-premises Active Directory and integrating with Azure DNS via Azure Private DNS is the correct approach. Dynamic DNS allows servers to automatically update their A (IPv4) and AAAA (IPv6) records in the on-premises DNS server whenever their IP addresses change. For hybrid environments, Azure Private DNS zones can be linked to virtual networks, allowing cloud resources to resolve names automatically. By synchronizing on-premises DNS updates with Azure Private DNS, servers and clients across both environments can reliably resolve names without manual intervention. This configuration ensures seamless communication, supports scaling, reduces administrative overhead, and is fully compatible with hybrid network topologies. It also integrates with Active Directory, allowing hybrid workloads like domain controllers, file servers, and application servers to maintain consistent DNS records.

C) Using hosts files to map server names manually is not practical or scalable. While hosts files can provide name resolution, they must be maintained individually on each machine. Any change in IP addresses would require updating every hosts file, making this approach error-prone and unsuitable for hybrid environments. Hosts files cannot handle dynamic cloud IP assignments and provide no centralized management or auditing capability.

D) Configuring static IP addresses and relying on static DNS entries only is limited in hybrid cloud environments. Static entries require manual updates whenever a server is added, removed, or changes location. In Azure, dynamic IPs are common for virtual machines unless reserved, so static DNS entries cannot fully support hybrid deployments. Additionally, static configurations increase the risk of errors and make ongoing management cumbersome.

Using dynamic DNS registration combined with Azure Private DNS provides an automated, scalable, and reliable approach to name resolution in hybrid environments. It supports both on-premises and cloud workloads, ensuring seamless communication without requiring manual intervention.

Question 17:

Your organization is deploying Windows Server 2022 and Azure AD in a hybrid environment. You need to ensure that all virtual machines in Azure are automatically compliant with company security policies, including firewall settings, update management, and antivirus enforcement. Which solution should you implement?

A) Configure Group Policy on on-premises AD.

B) Deploy Microsoft Intune with security compliance policies.

C) Enable Windows Defender Antivirus only.

D) Use Azure Backup to enforce policies.

Answer: B) Deploy Microsoft Intune with security compliance policies.

Explanation:

A) Configuring Group Policy on on-premises Active Directory only applies to domain-joined on-premises servers. Azure AD-joined or hybrid Azure AD-joined servers in Azure do not receive Group Policy settings unless you implement hybrid configurations, and even then, enforcement is limited. Group Policy lacks centralized reporting for cloud workloads and cannot apply modern compliance policies such as device health attestation, firewall enforcement, or patch status monitoring. Relying solely on Group Policy would leave gaps in Azure-based server compliance.

B) Deploying Microsoft Intune with security compliance policies is the correct approach. Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that integrates with Azure AD to enforce security baselines, including firewall configurations, update management, antivirus enforcement, disk encryption, and other critical settings. Intune supports hybrid and cloud-only workloads, allowing administrators to define compliance policies that automatically apply to all Azure VMs or hybrid-joined devices. Compliance status is continuously monitored and reported in dashboards, enabling Conditional Access to block non-compliant devices from accessing corporate resources. This approach is fully automated, scalable, and integrates with modern security best practices, providing a consistent and enforceable security posture across hybrid infrastructure.

C) Enabling Windows Defender Antivirus on its own is insufficient. While it protects servers from malware and other threats, it does not enforce firewall settings, patch management, or compliance reporting. Antivirus is one aspect of security but does not cover full compliance management. Without centralized enforcement and monitoring, servers may remain non-compliant with company policies.

D) Using Azure Backup is critical for disaster recovery but does not enforce security policies or monitor compliance. Backup ensures data recoverability but cannot manage updates, enforce firewalls, or verify antivirus deployment. Relying solely on Azure Backup would not meet the requirement for automatic compliance enforcement.

Intune provides a comprehensive, automated, and scalable solution for ensuring Azure and hybrid Windows Server 2022 VMs remain compliant with corporate security policies. It supports proactive monitoring, reporting, and enforcement, aligning with enterprise security standards.

Question 18:

You are designing a hybrid Windows Server 2022 environment. You need to implement centralized monitoring and alerting for system health, performance, and security events across both on-premises and Azure-based servers. Which solution should you use?

A) Enable Event Viewer on each server individually.

B) Deploy Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and schedule alerts.

C) Configure DFS Replication to track logs.

D) Use Azure Backup for monitoring.

Answer: B) Deploy Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension and schedule alerts.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Event Viewer on each server allows local event logging and manual inspection, but this method is highly inefficient in hybrid environments. Monitoring hundreds of servers individually is not scalable, does not provide centralized dashboards, and cannot trigger automated alerts. Administrators would need to manually review logs, delaying response to critical issues.

B) Deploying Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension is the correct solution. The Insights extension provides centralized monitoring of system health, performance metrics, security events, and resource utilization across both on-premises and Azure-based servers. It supports automated alerts based on thresholds, scheduled reports, and historical performance tracking. Administrators can proactively detect potential issues such as high CPU usage, low disk space, or security anomalies. Insights integrates with Windows Admin Center’s secure management interface, allowing remote administration without exposing servers via RDP. This approach provides scalability, centralized reporting, and automation, enabling hybrid environments to be monitored efficiently and reliably.

C) Configuring DFS Replication does not provide monitoring or alerting capabilities. DFS ensures data consistency between multiple servers but does not collect performance metrics, track system health, or trigger alerts for administrators. It is a replication solution, not a monitoring tool.

D) Using Azure Backup protects data and ensures recovery, but it does not provide real-time monitoring, performance tracking, or alerting for server health. Backup is a reactive measure and does not substitute for proactive system monitoring or centralized management.

Windows Admin Center with the Insights extension provides centralized, automated, and scalable monitoring and alerting, making it the ideal solution for hybrid server health management and performance visibility.

Question 19:

You are planning to implement a Windows Server 2022 hybrid environment. You need to ensure that only devices that meet corporate compliance standards can access sensitive cloud applications. Which solution should you implement?

A) Enable Windows Defender Firewall on all devices.

B) Use Conditional Access policies in Azure AD integrated with Intune compliance policies.

C) Deploy BitLocker encryption on all servers.

D) Configure local Group Policy to block non-compliant devices.

Answer: B) Use Conditional Access policies in Azure AD integrated with Intune compliance policies.

Explanation:

A) Enabling Windows Defender Firewall enhances endpoint security by controlling inbound and outbound traffic. However, firewall settings alone do not determine device compliance or control access to cloud applications. While important for endpoint protection, firewalls cannot enforce Conditional Access or integrate with Intune compliance policies, so they are insufficient for the requirement.

B) Using Conditional Access policies in Azure AD integrated with Intune compliance is the correct solution. Conditional Access evaluates device compliance, user identity, location, and risk factors before granting access to cloud applications. Intune defines and enforces device compliance, including patch levels, antivirus status, encryption, and configuration baselines. When a device does not meet compliance policies, Conditional Access can block access to sensitive applications or require remediation before access is granted. This combination provides centralized, dynamic, and enforceable control over hybrid environments, ensuring only compliant devices access corporate resources.

C) Deploying BitLocker encryption enhances data protection but does not enforce compliance for access to cloud applications. While BitLocker may be one element of a compliance baseline, it does not control access by itself. Additional mechanisms like Conditional Access are required to enforce access restrictions based on overall compliance.

D) Configuring local Group Policy to block non-compliant devices is ineffective in hybrid environments with Azure AD-joined or cloud-managed devices. Group Policy only applies to on-premises AD-joined machines and cannot enforce access restrictions for cloud-based applications or devices.

Conditional Access with Intune compliance enforcement provides a dynamic, centralized, and scalable method to control access to cloud applications, ensuring that only secure and compliant devices connect to sensitive resources.

Question 20:

You are deploying Windows Server 2022 in a hybrid environment. You want to ensure that file servers replicate data efficiently to Azure while minimizing bandwidth usage and keeping frequently accessed files on-premises. Which configuration should you use?

A) Disable Cloud Tiering.

B) Enable Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync.

C) Use DFS Replication between on-premises servers and Azure.

D) Enable Azure Backup only.

Answer: B) Enable Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync.

Explanation:

A) Disabling Cloud Tiering keeps all files fully present on the local server. While this ensures offline availability, it does not optimize bandwidth usage or storage efficiency. All files are stored locally and replicated in full to Azure, potentially consuming large amounts of network bandwidth and storage. This is not suitable for large datasets or hybrid deployments with limited network capacity.

B) Enabling Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync is the correct solution. Cloud Tiering keeps frequently accessed files on-premises while moving infrequently accessed files to Azure. Only metadata or placeholder files remain locally for tiered content, reducing storage footprint and minimizing replication bandwidth. Users can access tiered files seamlessly, as files are downloaded on-demand when needed. Cloud Tiering optimizes local storage, reduces network traffic, and ensures efficient replication to Azure. This approach supports both hybrid performance and cost-effective cloud storage, making it ideal for enterprise environments with large file shares.

C) Using DFS Replication can replicate files between on-premises servers but cannot replicate directly to Azure Files. DFS does not support on-demand tiering or bandwidth optimization for cloud storage. While DFS ensures redundancy, it is not suitable for hybrid cloud scenarios where Azure Files is the central repository.

D) Enabling Azure Backup protects files in Azure but does not provide real-time replication or tiering. Backup ensures recoverability but does not optimize storage usage, reduce bandwidth, or maintain seamless local access for frequently used files.

Cloud Tiering in Azure File Sync is the ideal solution for hybrid file replication, providing efficient use of local storage, minimizing bandwidth usage, and ensuring seamless access to files across both on-premises and Azure environments.