Quick Answer
The answer is an Endpoint detection and response (EDR) policy. This policy type is specifically designed to deploy the onboarding configuration package—either a .cmd script or .xml file—that registers a Windows 10 device with the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint service, enabling sensor data collection and threat detection. On the MD-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinct roles of Intune security policies: while Antivirus, Firewall, or Windows Security experience policies manage separate features, only the EDR policy handles the initial onboarding process that connects the device to Defender for Endpoint. A common trap is confusing onboarding with configuration—remember that onboarding is the gateway step, not a security setting adjustment. A useful memory tip: think of EDR as the “enrollment key” that unlocks the device’s ability to report to the Defender for Endpoint cloud, while other policies simply adjust settings after that connection is established.
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.
Your organization uses Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (now part of Microsoft Defender XDR) to manage endpoint security. You need to ensure that all Windows 10 devices are onboarded to Defender for Endpoint via Microsoft Intune. Which policy type should you use?
Endpoint detection and response policy
EDR policy is used to onboard devices to Defender for Endpoint.
Antivirus policy
Why wrong: Antivirus policy configures Defender AV, not onboarding.
Firewall policy
Why wrong: Firewall policy configures firewall rules.
Windows Security experience policy
Why wrong: This policy configures the Windows Security app.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Endpoint detection and response policy
To onboard Windows 10 devices to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint via Intune, you must use an Endpoint detection and response (EDR) policy. This policy type deploys the required onboarding configuration package (a .cmd script or .xml file) that registers the device with the Defender for Endpoint service, enabling sensor data collection and threat detection. Antivirus, Firewall, and Windows Security experience policies manage separate security features but do not handle the initial onboarding process.
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.
Endpoint detection and response policy
Why this is correct
EDR policy is used to onboard devices to Defender for Endpoint.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Antivirus policy
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus policy configures Defender AV, not onboarding.
Firewall policy
Why it's wrong here
Firewall policy configures firewall rules.
Windows Security experience policy
Why it's wrong here
This policy configures the Windows Security app.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'onboarding' with 'configuring existing security features,' mistakenly selecting Antivirus policy because they think Defender Antivirus must be enabled first, when in fact onboarding is a distinct prerequisite handled only by the EDR policy.
Detailed technical explanation
The onboarding process uses a machine-specific .onboarding script that sets registry keys (e.g., HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Advanced Threat Protection\Status) and configures the Sense service (Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection service) to communicate with the cloud backend. Under the hood, the EDR policy in Intune deploys this script as a device configuration profile, triggering the Sense service to start and send telemetry to the Defender for Endpoint tenant. In a real-world scenario, failing to use the correct policy type means devices remain unregistered, leaving them invisible to threat hunting and incident response workflows.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
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FAQ
Manage and maintain devices — This question tests Manage and maintain devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Endpoint detection and response policy — To onboard Windows 10 devices to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint via Intune, you must use an Endpoint detection and response (EDR) policy. This policy type deploys the required onboarding configuration package (a .cmd script or .xml file) that registers the device with the Defender for Endpoint service, enabling sensor data collection and threat detection. Antivirus, Firewall, and Windows Security experience policies manage separate security features but do not handle the initial onboarding process.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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