The answer is a Windows Autopilot deployment profile assigned to the device, because self-deploying mode relies on the device’s hardware hash to be pre-registered with Microsoft and linked to an Azure AD tenant, which allows the profile to be downloaded automatically during the out-of-box experience without any user interaction. This eliminates the need for a user to sign in, making it ideal for kiosk or userless devices. On the MD-102 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the prerequisites for Windows Autopilot self-deploying mode, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between user-driven and self-deploying requirements. A common trap is confusing the need for a user-assigned license with the device-based license required here, or forgetting that the deployment profile itself is the critical component that triggers the unattended provisioning flow. Memory tip: think “no user, no problem” — self-deploying mode needs only the profile and hardware hash, not a human at the keyboard.
MD-102 Prepare infrastructure for devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of prepare infrastructure for devices. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which THREE components are required for a successful Windows Autopilot self-deploying mode deployment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Windows Autopilot device registration using the hardware hash.
B is correct because Windows Autopilot self-deploying mode requires the device to be registered with Microsoft using its hardware hash. This registration links the device to an Azure AD tenant and enables the deployment profile to be downloaded automatically during the out-of-box experience, without user interaction.
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.
✗
A local administrator account created on the device.
Why it's wrong here
Self-deploying mode does not require a local admin account; it creates one automatically.
✓
Windows Autopilot device registration using the hardware hash.
Why this is correct
The device must be registered in Autopilot to be recognized.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A Microsoft 365 E3 license assigned to the user.
Why it's wrong here
Self-deploying mode is device-based, not user-based; a user license is not required.
✓
Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1 or P2 license.
Why this is correct
Self-deploying mode requires Azure AD Premium licenses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
A Windows Autopilot deployment profile assigned to the device.
Why this is correct
The profile defines the deployment settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a user license or local admin account is required, but self-deploying mode is specifically designed for userless scenarios and relies solely on device registration and a Microsoft Entra ID Premium license.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Self-deploying mode leverages the device's TPM 2.0 to perform an attestation-based enrollment into Azure AD, using the hardware hash to prove identity. The deployment profile is stored in the tenant and applied during the OOBE, enabling automatic enrollment into MDM (e.g., Intune) without any user credentials. This mode is ideal for shared devices like conference room PCs or digital signage.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Prepare infrastructure for devices — This question tests Prepare infrastructure for devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Windows Autopilot device registration using the hardware hash. — B is correct because Windows Autopilot self-deploying mode requires the device to be registered with Microsoft using its hardware hash. This registration links the device to an Azure AD tenant and enables the deployment profile to be downloaded automatically during the out-of-box experience, without user interaction.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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. Your organization is deploying Windows Autopilot self-deploying mode for kiosk devices. The devices will be used in a public area and must not require user interaction during the initial setup. What is the prerequisite for this deployment?
hard
A.A user must be assigned to the device in Microsoft Entra ID.
✓ B.The device must have a TPM 2.0 chip.
C.An enrollment profile must be assigned to the user.
D.The device must be added to Microsoft Entra ID manually.
Why B: Option A is correct because self-deploying mode requires the device to be a physical device with a TPM 2.0 chip for attestation. Option B is wrong because self-deploying mode does not require a user to sign in. Option C is wrong because self-deploying mode uses a device-based enrollment token, not a user-based one. Option D is wrong because the device must be pre-registered in Intune as an Autopilot device.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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.