Quick Answer
The answer is that the device has not checked in with the Intune service recently. Even when a Windows device is enrolled and online, it must perform a periodic check-in to retrieve and apply policies; the default check-in interval is roughly every 8 hours, and if this window is missed, the console will show a status of 'Not evaluated' or 'Pending' rather than a failure. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that enrollment alone does not guarantee policy delivery—the device must actively sync within its check-in interval. A common trap is assuming connectivity issues or incorrect enrollment are the cause, when in fact the device simply hasn’t contacted Intune since the policy was assigned. Memory tip: think of the device like a mailbox—just because it’s installed and connected doesn’t mean it has checked for new mail; the 8-hour interval is the key window to remember.
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of prepare infrastructure for devices. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
You are troubleshooting a Windows device that is not receiving policies from Microsoft Intune. The device shows as 'Not evaluated' or 'Pending' in the Intune console. The device is enrolled and connected to the internet. What is the most likely cause?
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 device is marked as non-compliant.
Why wrong: Non-compliant devices still receive policies.
The device does not have a valid device certificate.
Why wrong: Device certificates are not required for policy check-in.
The device has not checked in with the Intune service recently.
Devices must check in to receive policy updates.
The device enrollment profile has expired.
Why wrong: Expiration is for Autopilot profiles, not enrollment.
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 device has not checked in with the Intune service recently.
When a device shows as 'Not evaluated' or 'Pending' in the Intune console, it indicates that the Intune service has not received a recent check-in from the device. Even if the device is enrolled and connected to the internet, it must periodically communicate with the Intune service to retrieve policies; the default check-in interval is approximately 8 hours, and if the device misses this window, policies remain unevaluated.
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 device is marked as non-compliant.
Why it's wrong here
Non-compliant devices still receive policies.
The device does not have a valid device certificate.
Why it's wrong here
Device certificates are not required for policy check-in.
The device has not checked in with the Intune service recently.
Why this is correct
Devices must check in to receive policy updates.
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 device enrollment profile has expired.
Why it's wrong here
Expiration is for Autopilot profiles, not enrollment.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume policy delivery failures are due to compliance or certificate issues, but the MD-102 exam specifically tests the understanding that a device must actively check in with the Intune service to receive policies, and a 'Pending' status directly indicates a missed check-in.
Detailed technical explanation
Intune uses a client-side agent (the Microsoft Intune Management Extension or the built-in MDM client) that initiates a check-in via HTTPS to the Intune service endpoints (e.g., manage.microsoft.com). The check-in process includes sending a device inventory, retrieving policy payloads, and reporting status. If the device fails to check in due to network issues, proxy misconfiguration, or the service being unreachable, the console will show 'Not evaluated' or 'Pending' until the next successful sync. Administrators can force a check-in from the device by going to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Info > Sync, or by running the command 'dsregcmd /sync'.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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 device has not checked in with the Intune service recently. — When a device shows as 'Not evaluated' or 'Pending' in the Intune console, it indicates that the Intune service has not received a recent check-in from the device. Even if the device is enrolled and connected to the internet, it must periodically communicate with the Intune service to retrieve policies; the default check-in interval is approximately 8 hours, and if the device misses this window, policies remain unevaluated.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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