The correct method is to use a device context PowerShell script in Intune and assign it to the device group. This approach works because a device context script runs in the system context during the provisioning process, before any user signs in, which is essential for configuring Autopilot devices at the device level. Assigning the script to a device group—rather than a user group—ensures it executes on every target machine regardless of who logs in, directly meeting the requirement for pre-user-sign-in deployment. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the distinction between user context and device context scripts, a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose a user-assigned script that runs only after sign-in. A helpful memory tip: think “device before user”—if the task must happen before the user appears, always choose device context and a device group assignment.
MD-102 Manage and maintain devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage and maintain devices. 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 organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage Windows 10 devices. You need to deploy a PowerShell script that runs during the device provisioning process, before the user signs in. The script should be assigned to a device group containing all Autopilot devices. Which method should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a device context PowerShell script in Intune and assign it to the device group.
Option A is correct because a device context PowerShell script in Intune runs in the system context before the user signs in, making it ideal for provisioning tasks on Autopilot devices. Assigning it to a device group ensures the script executes on the target devices regardless of which user signs in, aligning with the requirement for pre-user-sign-in execution.
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.
✓
Use a device context PowerShell script in Intune and assign it to the device group.
Why this is correct
Device context scripts run in the system context before user sign-in.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add the script as a Windows 10 platform script in Intune.
Why it's wrong here
Platform scripts run but are not specifically designed to run before user sign-in.
✗
Assign the script to a user group containing the users.
Why it's wrong here
User context scripts require user sign-in.
✗
Deploy the script as a device configuration profile.
Why it's wrong here
Configuration profiles set settings, they do not run scripts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse user context scripts (which require a signed-in user) with device context scripts (which run in the system context), leading them to choose user group assignment or configuration profiles instead of the correct device group assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Device context PowerShell scripts in Intune run under the SYSTEM account and execute during the device's provisioning phase, such as during Autopilot's 'Device Preparation' or 'Account Setup' stages. This allows tasks like installing drivers or configuring local accounts before the user logs in, leveraging the Intune Management Extension which polls for script assignments every hour or on reboot. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for deploying pre-requisite software or security configurations that must be in place before user access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MD-102 question in full detail.
Manage and maintain devices — This question tests Manage and maintain devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a device context PowerShell script in Intune and assign it to the device group. — Option A is correct because a device context PowerShell script in Intune runs in the system context before the user signs in, making it ideal for provisioning tasks on Autopilot devices. Assigning it to a device group ensures the script executes on the target devices regardless of which user signs in, aligning with the requirement for pre-user-sign-in execution.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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