The answer is three supported methods: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint onboarding configuration profiles in Intune, Intune security policies, and Group Policy. These methods are correct because they directly integrate with the Windows security stack to push the onboarding script or configuration package to endpoints, establishing the required sensor connection to the Defender for Endpoint service. On the MD-102 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between endpoint management tools and security policy deployment channels—a common trap is confusing the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (which handles Office configuration) or Windows Server Update Services (for patch management) with actual Defender onboarding mechanisms. Remember that any method that does not directly apply a Defender configuration package to the device’s security center is a distractor. A useful memory tip is “POG”: Policies (Intune security policies), Onboarding profiles (Defender-specific config profiles), and Group Policy—these three cover the full spectrum of managed and unmanaged device onboarding scenarios.
MD-102 Manage and maintain devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage and maintain 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.
You need to onboard devices to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint using Microsoft Intune. Which THREE methods are supported?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Group Policy with administrative templates
Intune security policies, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint onboarding configuration profiles, and Group Policy can onboard devices. Microsoft 365 Apps admin center is for Office, not Defender. Windows Server Update Services is for updates.
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.
✓
Group Policy with administrative templates
Why this is correct
Onboarding via GPO for domain-joined devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Microsoft 365 Apps admin center
Why it's wrong here
Used for Office configuration, not Defender onboarding.
✓
Intune endpoint security policy for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Why this is correct
Onboarding via endpoint security policy in Intune.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Windows Server Update Services
Why it's wrong here
Used for update management, not Defender onboarding.
✓
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint onboarding configuration profile in Intune
Why this is correct
Dedicated profile to deploy onboarding package.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
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: Group Policy with administrative templates — Intune security policies, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint onboarding configuration profiles, and Group Policy can onboard devices. Microsoft 365 Apps admin center is for Office, not Defender. Windows Server Update Services is for updates.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. You need to deploy Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to Windows 10 devices using Microsoft Intune. Which TWO methods can you use to deploy the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint client?
easy
A.Using Group Policy connected to Intune.
✓ B.As a line-of-business (LOB) app in Intune.
C.From the Microsoft Store for Business.
✓ D.Via a device configuration profile using the 'Microsoft Defender for Endpoint' CSP.
E.Via Microsoft Configuration Manager.
Why B: You can deploy the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint client via Intune as a line-of-business app (by uploading the installer) or as part of a device configuration profile (by enabling the 'Microsoft Defender for Endpoint' configuration service provider (CSP) settings). Option C, Microsoft Store, is not applicable because Defender for Endpoint is not a store app. Option D, Group Policy, is not managed by Intune. Option E, Configuration Manager, is a separate management tool.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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