Windows Autopilot Hardware Hash Upload: Preparing Devices for Deployment
Exhibit
Get-AutopilotInfo -Online SerialNumber : ABC123 HardwareHash : 1234567890ABCDEF... ProductName : Surface Pro 7 Manufacturer : Microsoft DeviceState : AutopilotClientState = Unknown AssignmentStatus : NotAssigned
Refer to the exhibit. You run the Get-AutopilotInfo script on a new Surface Pro 7. The output shows DeviceState as 'Unknown' and AssignmentStatus as 'NotAssigned'. The device is connected to the internet. What should you do to prepare this device for Autopilot deployment?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to upload the hardware hash to Microsoft Intune to register the device. When the Get-AutopilotInfo script returns a DeviceState of 'Unknown' and AssignmentStatus of 'NotAssigned', it confirms the device has never been registered in Windows Autopilot, even though it is online. The hardware hash is a unique identifier that Intune needs to convert the device from an unknown state into a recognized Autopilot device, enabling automatic deployment profiles. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Autopilot registration lifecycle, where the hardware hash upload is the prerequisite step before any profile assignment can occur. A common trap is assuming the script itself registers the device—it only collects the hash. Remember the mnemonic: "Hash first, then assign."
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume running the script with an online parameter (like -Online) would automatically register the device, but the script is offline-only and requires manual upload of the hardware hash to Intune.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Upload the hardware hash to Microsoft Intune to register the device.
The Get-AutopilotInfo script collects the hardware hash and device details but does not automatically register the device with Autopilot. A 'DeviceState' of 'Unknown' and 'AssignmentStatus' of 'NotAssigned' indicate the device is not yet registered in Intune. Uploading the hardware hash to Intune is the required first step to register the device, enabling Autopilot to recognize it and assign profiles.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Upload the hardware hash to Microsoft Intune to register the device.
Why this is correct
Registration is required for Autopilot to work.
- ✗
Assign an Autopilot deployment profile to the device group.
Why it's wrong here
The device must be registered first.
- ✗
Run the script again with the -Online parameter.
Why it's wrong here
The script already ran; re-running won't change the state.
- ✗
Use a provisioning package to set up the device manually.
Why it's wrong here
That bypasses Autopilot.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Planning Deployment and Architecture
Key term
Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that helps organizations manage their users' devices and applications, ensuring security and compliance without needing to own or control the physical hardware.
Key term
Autopilot
Autopilot is a Microsoft cloud-based deployment technology that automates the setup and configuration of new Windows devices, reducing manual IT effort and enabling users to be productive from the first boot.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on MD-102
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 10 devices using Windows Autopilot. The devices are purchased from a vendor and will be shipped directly to users. You need to ensure that the devices are automatically enrolled in Intune and configured with your organization's standard settings as soon as the user turns on the device and connects to the internet. The devices should be Azure AD joined. What is the minimal configuration required?
easy- A.Ask the vendor to configure the devices with your organization's settings before shipping.
- B.Upload the device's hardware hash to Azure AD.
- C.Instruct the user to manually enroll the device after receiving it.
- ✓ D.Upload the device's hardware hash to Microsoft Intune.
Why D: The hardware hash must be uploaded to Microsoft Intune for Autopilot to automatically recognize the device, enroll it in Intune, and join it to Azure AD upon first boot. Option A is incorrect because vendors cannot pre-configure Autopilot settings; they should provide the hardware hash. Option B is incorrect because the hardware hash is uploaded to Intune, not Azure AD directly. Option C is incorrect because the user should not manually enroll; Autopilot automates the process.
Variation 2. Your organization plans to use Windows Autopilot to provision new devices. Which TWO methods can you use to obtain the hardware hash for a new device?
easy- ✓ A.Request the hardware hash from the device manufacturer (OEM)
- B.Extract the hardware hash from the device BIOS
- ✓ C.Run a PowerShell script on a device that is already running Windows 10 or later
- D.Use Microsoft Intune to generate the hardware hash from the device serial number
- E.Use Windows Configuration Designer to create a provisioning package that captures the hardware hash
Why A: OEMs can provide the hardware hash for devices they manufacture, which can be uploaded to Microsoft Intune or the Autopilot deployment service. This method is commonly used for new devices ordered directly from the manufacturer, as the hash is generated during the manufacturing process and included in the device's packaging or accessible via the OEM's portal.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.