The answer is that the devices have not synced with Intune to receive the updated policy. This is the most likely reason because Windows Update for Business deferral policies are not applied instantly; they rely on the device’s next check-in with the Intune service, which by default occurs every 8 hours. If a device has not synced since you configured the 7-day deferral, it will still follow its previous update settings, explaining why some machines miss the two-week window. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of policy delivery mechanics versus configuration intent—a common trap is assuming policies apply immediately after you save them in the Intune portal. Remember the key distinction: setting a deferral is separate from the device receiving it. For a memory tip, think “Sync before you defer”—the policy only counts once the device checks in.
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 ensure that Windows 10 devices in your organization receive the latest quality updates within 7 days of release. You configure a Windows Update for Business policy in Intune with a deferral period of 7 days. After two weeks, some devices have not installed the updates. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Devices have not synced with Intune to receive the updated policy.
Option D is correct because Windows Update for Business policies in Intune are not applied in real time; devices must check in with the Intune service to receive the updated policy. The default sync interval for Intune-managed Windows 10 devices is approximately 8 hours, and if a device has not synced since the policy was configured, it will not yet have the new deferral settings. This explains why some devices have not installed the updates even after two weeks, as they may have missed the sync window or have a longer check-in cycle.
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.
✗
The devices are configured to receive updates from WSUS instead of Windows Update.
Why it's wrong here
WSUS would override WUfB, but the stem assumes WUfB is used.
✗
The deferral period is too short; Microsoft recommends 14 days.
Why it's wrong here
7 days is valid.
✗
The policy is configured to apply only to devices in a specific Azure AD group.
Why it's wrong here
The stem implies the policy targets all devices.
✓
Devices have not synced with Intune to receive the updated policy.
Why this is correct
Devices must sync to get the policy; if they miss sync, updates are not enforced.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
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 that configuring a Windows Update for Business policy in Intune immediately applies to all targeted devices, overlooking the critical requirement for devices to complete an Intune sync before the policy takes effect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Intune uses a client-side agent that polls the Intune service at a configurable interval (default 8 hours) to retrieve policy updates. This sync process is independent of Windows Update checks, meaning a device can be fully online and still not apply a new Windows Update for Business policy until its next Intune sync. In real-world scenarios, devices that are offline, powered off, or have network restrictions may miss multiple sync cycles, delaying policy enforcement beyond the expected deferral period.
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.
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: Devices have not synced with Intune to receive the updated policy. — Option D is correct because Windows Update for Business policies in Intune are not applied in real time; devices must check in with the Intune service to receive the updated policy. The default sync interval for Intune-managed Windows 10 devices is approximately 8 hours, and if a device has not synced since the policy was configured, it will not yet have the new deferral settings. This explains why some devices have not installed the updates even after two weeks, as they may have missed the sync window or have a longer check-in cycle.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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