Resolving Company Portal Launch Failure by Triggering Intune Sync
You manage devices with Microsoft Intune. Users report that after a recent policy change, some devices are not receiving updated policies. You verify that the devices are online and have connectivity. What should you do to force a policy refresh?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse a device restart or Windows Update with triggering an MDM policy refresh, but Intune's MDM sync is a distinct, remote action that must be initiated from the Intune portal or via a manual sync on the device itself.
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
✓
In the Intune portal, select the devices and click 'Sync'.
The Intune 'Sync' action sends a direct MDM policy refresh command to the device via the Microsoft Intune service. This triggers the device's enrollment client to immediately check in with the MDM server, download the latest policies, and apply them without waiting for the next scheduled sync interval. Since the devices are online and have connectivity, this remote sync forces an immediate policy refresh.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ask users to restart their devices.
Why it's wrong here
Restarting clears in-memory state but does not initiate an MDM policy sync; the device still waits for its scheduled check-in or a manual sync trigger from the Company Portal or Intune. It is tempting because reboots resolve many transient agent faults, and would be correct if the Intune Management Extension or device agent had hung.
- ✗
Ask users to run Windows Update.
Why it's wrong here
Windows Update installs operating-system patches; it does not trigger an Intune policy re-evaluation. It is correct for remediating missing OS updates. Forcing a policy refresh requires a device sync action from the Intune admin centre or the Company Portal.
- ✗
Adjust the MDM sync interval in Intune.
Why it's wrong here
The MDM sync interval governs the recurring check-in cadence, not an on-demand refresh; shortening it delays the next poll rather than forcing one now. It is tempting because interval tuning does affect how quickly devices pick up changes over time, and would suit scenarios where you want faster periodic convergence across a fleet.
- ✓
In the Intune portal, select the devices and click 'Sync'.
Why this is correct
Selecting 'Sync' in the Intune portal triggers a remote device action that queues a check-in, prompting the device to contact the Intune service and pull updated policies immediately. This satisfies the stem's requirement to force a refresh on online devices without waiting for the scheduled check-in interval.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Configuring Compliance Policies
Key term
MDM
MDM stands for Mobile Device Management, a technology that allows IT administrators to securely manage, monitor, and enforce policies on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets from a central console.
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.
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