Quick Answer
The correct first step is to verify the current OS version on the device. This is because Intune compliance policies evaluate the exact OS build number reported during device check-in, not the user’s perception of being up-to-date; a device may have pending updates that haven’t been applied, or the user may misunderstand which specific version is required. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the compliance evaluation flow and the common trap of trusting user claims without confirming the actual build number against the policy requirement. A reliable memory tip is “Verify before you trust”—always check the device’s reported OS version in the Intune console first, as it is the single source of truth for compliance status.
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.
A user's device is marked as 'Noncompliant' in Microsoft Intune due to missing required updates. The device is configured with a compliance policy that requires a minimum OS version. The user claims the device is up-to-date. What should you verify 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.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
The current OS version on the device.
The device might not have the required OS version.
The user's license status.
Why wrong: License status does not affect compliance.
The compliance policy is assigned to the device.
Why wrong: If it's showing noncompliant, the policy is assigned.
The device is connected to the internet.
Why wrong: Connectivity does not affect compliance status directly.
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 current OS version on the device.
Option A is correct because the first step in troubleshooting a noncompliant device due to a missing minimum OS version is to verify the actual OS version currently installed on the device. The user's claim that the device is up-to-date may be based on a misunderstanding of what version is required, or the device may have pending updates that have not been applied. Intune compliance policies evaluate the OS version reported by the device during check-in, so confirming the exact build number against the policy requirement is the logical starting point.
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 current OS version on the device.
Why this is correct
The device might not have the required OS version.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The user's license status.
Why it's wrong here
License status does not affect compliance.
The compliance policy is assigned to the device.
Why it's wrong here
If it's showing noncompliant, the policy is assigned.
The device is connected to the internet.
Why it's wrong here
Connectivity does not affect compliance status directly.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may jump to verifying policy assignment or connectivity, overlooking that the most direct and immediate verification is the actual OS version on the device, which is the specific attribute being evaluated by the compliance policy.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If it's showing noncompliant, the policy is assigned.
Detailed technical explanation
Intune compliance policies use the device's reported OS version from the management agent (e.g., the Intune Management Extension on Windows or the Company Portal app on mobile). The device must check in to Intune to report its compliance status, and the policy evaluation occurs server-side based on the reported data. A common subtlety is that a device may have downloaded an update but not yet rebooted to apply it, so the reported OS version remains the older build, causing noncompliance even though the user believes the device is 'up-to-date'.
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.
Manage and maintain devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Manage and maintain devices practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All MD-102 questions
991 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator MD-102 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
MD-102 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Prepare infrastructure for devices.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Manage and maintain devices.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Manage applications.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Protect devices.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Deploy Windows client.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Manage identity and compliance.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to Manage, maintain, and protect devices.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to MD-102 fundamentals.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to MD-102 scenario.
Practise MD-102 questions linked to MD-102 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: The current OS version on the device. — Option A is correct because the first step in troubleshooting a noncompliant device due to a missing minimum OS version is to verify the actual OS version currently installed on the device. The user's claim that the device is up-to-date may be based on a misunderstanding of what version is required, or the device may have pending updates that have not been applied. Intune compliance policies evaluate the OS version reported by the device during check-in, so confirming the exact build number against the policy requirement is the logical starting point.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first", "minimum / minimize". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.