Which backup type restores an Azure SQL Database if the logical server is deleted?
Short answer
C long-term retention (LTR)
Question

Key Takeaways
The key trap is confusing PITR with LTR: PITR backups are tied to the logical server and are deleted with it, while LTR backups are stored independently in Azure Blob storage and survive server deletion.
This question tests knowledge of Azure SQL Database backup types and their behavior when the logical server is deleted. Community consensus confirms that Long-Term Retention (LTR) backups survive logical server deletion, whereas Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) backups do not.
Common mistake: Many candidates choose D (PITR) because it supports restoring a deleted database, but fail to realize that if the logical server itself is deleted, PITR backups are also removed and cannot be used for recovery.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Long-Term Retention (LTR) backups are stored in a separate Azure Storage account and are not dependent on the logical server's lifecycle. According to Microsoft documentation, LTR backups remain available even after the logical server is deleted, allowing the database to be restored to a new server. This directly satisfies the requirement: "Ensure that DB3 can be restored if the logical server is deleted."
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Differential (A) and transaction log (B) backups are components of the automated backup strategy but are not standalone restore solutions for this scenario. Point-in-time restore (D) is a restore mechanism, not a backup type, and its backups are deleted when the logical server is deleted. As noted in the comments, PITR cannot fulfill the requirement if the server itself is removed.
Community Comment Notes
Comment [2] and [3] correctly identify that PITR backups are deleted with the logical server, making LTR the only viable option. Comment [1] and [7] initially favored PITR but overlooked the critical detail about server deletion. Comment [4] provides a clear explanation of LTR's independence from the logical server lifecycle.
Official Reference
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/recovery-using-backups?view=azuresql
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/long-term-retention-overview?view=azuresql
- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/azure-sql-database-point-in-time-restore/
These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
Exam Strategy
When a question mentions restoring a database after the logical server is deleted, immediately eliminate PITR and focus on LTR. Always read the full requirement carefully, as subtle details like 'logical server deleted' can completely change the correct answer.
Community Votes
54% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 10 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 10
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pjfunner 👍 4 Answered DD. point-in-time restore (PITR) - because it supports the restore of a deleted database, which is one of the business requirements. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/azure-sql-database-point-in-time-restore/
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scottytohotty 👍 3 Answered CCorrection, LTR because PITR cannot restore if the logical server is deleted. I misread that info somewhere initially, but that completely rules out D, PITR. LTR is the correct answer
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voodoo_sh 👍 2 Answered CIf you delete a server, all of its databases and their PITR backups are also deleted. You can't restore a deleted server, and you can't restore the deleted databases from PITR backups. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/recovery-using-backups?view=azuresql&form=MG0AV3&tabs=azure-portal#restore-deleted-database
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Nelly100 👍 1Given the requirements and the specific need to ensure that DB3 can be restored if the logical server is deleted, the most appropriate backup solution is D. point-in-time restore (PITR). Explanation: Point-in-time restore (PITR): Purpose: Allows you to restore a database to any point in time within the retention period. Use Case: It is particularly useful for recovering from accidental deletions or modifications. Relevance: If the logical server (or the database) is deleted, PITR can help restore the database to the state it was at any specific point within the retention period.
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voodoo_sh 👍 1C: To ensure that your Azure SQL Database named DB3 can be restored even if the logical server is deleted, you should use long-term retention (LTR) backups. LTR backups are not deleted when the logical server is deleted, and they can be used to restore the database on a different server within the same subscription Point-in-time restore (PITR) is useful for recovering a database to a specific point in time within the retention period, but it relies on the existence of the logical server.
Show 5 more comments
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scottytohotty 👍 1 Answered DThere is no requirement around long term backups, so I do not see the justification for LTR. PITR is free, can restore deleted databases, and can provide regional outage support, from what I’m researching. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/azure-sql-database-point-in-time-restore/ I would love to hear a rebuttle with a citation for LTR over PITR since so many people are arbitrarily saying it is better.
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dorwai 👍 1 Answered CD is not a backup solution but a restore solution/option C is the correct answer
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2f5c7cd 👍 1 Answered CTo meet “Ensure that DB3 can be restored if the logical server is deleted”
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Sr18 👍 1Selected Answer C: long-term retention
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angelvenkovicch 👍 1 Answered DD. point-in-time restore (PITR)
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