Quick Answer
The answer is that the Intune management extension service is not running. This is the most likely cause because Intune delivers policy updates to Windows 10 devices through the management extension, which is a separate service that handles configuration profiles, compliance policies, and PowerShell scripts. When this service is stopped or disabled, the device cannot receive new policies, causing it to show a 'Pending' status in the Intune console even though the device is online and enrollment is valid. On the Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Intune agent architecture and the distinction between the enrollment state and the policy delivery mechanism. A common trap is assuming network connectivity or enrollment validity guarantees policy delivery, but the management extension must be actively running. To remember this, think of the management extension as the "delivery truck"—the device may be parked (online) and registered (enrolled), but if the truck’s engine (the service) is off, no packages (policies) get delivered.
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.
You are troubleshooting a Windows 10 device that is not receiving policy updates from Intune. The device shows 'Pending' status in the Intune console. The device is connected to the internet. What is the most likely cause?
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.
The device is not connected to the network.
Why wrong: It is connected to the internet.
The device has a pending reboot.
Why wrong: A pending reboot may cause delays but not permanent pending status.
The Intune management extension service is not running.
The service must be running to receive policies.
The device enrollment is expired.
Why wrong: Enrollment does not expire.
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 Intune management extension service is not running.
Intune policies are delivered via the Intune management extension. If the service is not running or is disabled, policies cannot be applied. Option A is incorrect because the device is online. Option B is incorrect because enrollment shows as valid. Option D is incorrect because the management extension is required for policies.
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 device is not connected to the network.
Why it's wrong here
It is connected to the internet.
The device has a pending reboot.
Why it's wrong here
A pending reboot may cause delays but not permanent pending status.
The Intune management extension service is not running.
Why this is correct
The service must be running to receive policies.
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.
The device enrollment is expired.
Why it's wrong here
Enrollment does not expire.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Manage and maintain devices — study guide chapter
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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: The Intune management extension service is not running. — Intune policies are delivered via the Intune management extension. If the service is not running or is disabled, policies cannot be applied. Option A is incorrect because the device is online. Option B is incorrect because enrollment shows as valid. Option D is incorrect because the management extension is required for policies.
Identify which MD-102 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.
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