The answer is to verify that the PowerShell execution policy on the devices allows script execution, such as RemoteSigned or Bypass. This is the correct first step because the Intune Management Extension runs scripts under the local SYSTEM account, which respects the device’s configured execution policy; if the policy is set to Restricted, even properly uploaded and assigned scripts will fail to run. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Intune’s script deployment interacts with Windows security controls—a common trap is to immediately suspect assignment issues or user permissions, but the execution policy is a silent blocker that must be checked first. Remember the memory tip: “Policy before permissions”—always confirm the local execution policy allows script execution before troubleshooting anything else.
MD-102 Manage and maintain devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage and maintain 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.
Adventure Works uses Microsoft Intune for device management. You need to deploy a custom PowerShell script to all Windows 10 devices to configure a registry key for security compliance. The script is already uploaded to Intune as a PowerShell script. However, the script is not running on some devices. You have confirmed that the devices are enrolled, have the Intune Management Extension installed, and are online. What should you check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the PowerShell execution policy on the devices allows script execution (e.g., RemoteSigned or Bypass).
The script execution policy may block scripts. The Intune Management Extension runs scripts under the system account, which respects the local execution policy. Checking the execution policy is the first step. The script assignment should be verified if it wasn't assigned, but the question states it is uploaded; assignment is a separate step. The user's role does not affect script execution. The device's OS architecture is unlikely the issue.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Check that the user has administrative privileges on the device.
Why it's wrong here
Scripts run as system, no user rights needed.
✗
Confirm that the device is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
Why it's wrong here
Architecture is unlikely the cause.
✗
Ensure the script is assigned to the device group.
Why it's wrong here
Assignment is necessary but the question implies it is assigned.
✓
Verify that the PowerShell execution policy on the devices allows script execution (e.g., RemoteSigned or Bypass).
Why this is correct
Execution policy can block scripts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MD-102 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related MD-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Manage and maintain devices — This question tests Manage and maintain devices — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify that the PowerShell execution policy on the devices allows script execution (e.g., RemoteSigned or Bypass). — The script execution policy may block scripts. The Intune Management Extension runs scripts under the system account, which respects the local execution policy. Checking the execution policy is the first step. The script assignment should be verified if it wasn't assigned, but the question states it is uploaded; assignment is a separate step. The user's role does not affect script execution. The device's OS architecture is unlikely the issue.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related MD-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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