Quick Answer
The answer is that the user has not approved the recovery key escrow, which is the most likely reason FileVault encryption status shows as pending in Intune. FileVault disk encryption on macOS requires explicit user consent to escrow the personal recovery key with Intune; without this approval, the encryption process cannot complete and remains in a pending state. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the macOS enrollment and encryption workflow, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly blame policy misconfiguration or enrollment type. A common trap is assuming encryption applies silently like on Windows, but macOS demands user interaction for key escrow. Remember the mnemonic: “No escrow approval, no encryption final.”
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of prepare infrastructure for devices. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 macOS devices. You need to configure FileVault disk encryption for all devices. After deploying the policy, some devices report that encryption is pending. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The user has not approved the recovery key escrow.
User must approve escrow when prompted.
The devices are enrolled using user enrollment.
Why wrong: User enrollment supports FileVault.
The devices require a PIN to be set for recovery.
Why wrong: FileVault uses a password, not a PIN.
The devices are not supervised.
Why wrong: FileVault does not require supervision.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The user has not approved the recovery key escrow.
Option B is correct because FileVault encryption requires the user to approve the recovery key escrow. Option A is incorrect because macOS devices can be encrypted via Intune. Option C is incorrect because user enrollment does not affect FileVault policy applicability. Option D is incorrect because a PIN is not required for FileVault; it uses a password.
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.
The user has not approved the recovery key escrow.
Why this is correct
User must approve escrow when prompted.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The devices are enrolled using user enrollment.
Why it's wrong here
User enrollment supports FileVault.
The devices require a PIN to be set for recovery.
Why it's wrong here
FileVault uses a password, not a PIN.
The devices are not supervised.
Why it's wrong here
FileVault does not require supervision.
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 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.
What to study next
Identify which MD-102 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
Prepare infrastructure for devices — This question tests Prepare infrastructure for devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The user has not approved the recovery key escrow. — Option B is correct because FileVault encryption requires the user to approve the recovery key escrow. Option A is incorrect because macOS devices can be encrypted via Intune. Option C is incorrect because user enrollment does not affect FileVault policy applicability. Option D is incorrect because a PIN is not required for FileVault; it uses a password.
Identify which MD-102 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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. Your organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage macOS devices. You need to ensure that all devices have FileVault disk encryption enabled. Which configuration profile type should you use?
easyWhy B: Option B is correct because 'Endpoint protection' for macOS includes FileVault settings. Option A is wrong because 'Device features' includes settings like wallpaper and lock screen. Option C is wrong because 'Device restrictions' includes general settings, not encryption. Option D is wrong because 'Custom' is not the standard method.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This MD-102 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 MD-102 exam.
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