The answer is to first ensure the Windows Update service is not disabled on the devices. This is correct because the Windows Update for Business policy relies entirely on the Windows Update service being in a running state; if the service is disabled, the update ring configuration from Intune cannot be applied, and updates will fail to install regardless of policy assignment. On the MD-102 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot common policy application failures, often presenting a trap where candidates mistakenly check compliance policies or the Intune Management Extension, which are unrelated to the core update mechanism. A reliable memory tip is to think of the Windows Update service as the engine of a car—no matter how well you set the GPS (the update ring policy), the car won’t move if the engine is off.
MD-102 Manage and maintain devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage and maintain 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.
You manage Windows 10 devices enrolled in Microsoft Intune. Users report that the Windows Update for Business policy is not applying to some devices. You verify the devices are assigned the correct update ring. What should you check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Ensure the Windows Update service is not disabled on the devices.
Option C is correct because the Windows Update for Business policy requires Windows Update service to be enabled. If it's disabled, updates won't apply. Option A is wrong because compliance policies don't block update rings. Option B is wrong because the Intune Management Extension is for Win32 apps, not updates. Option D is wrong because sync interval doesn't prevent policy application.
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.
✗
Increase the sync frequency for the devices.
Why it's wrong here
Sync frequency does not affect policy application.
✗
Check if the devices are compliant with device compliance policies.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance policies do not block update rings.
✓
Ensure the Windows Update service is not disabled on the devices.
Why this is correct
Windows Update service must be enabled for update rings to apply.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Verify the Intune Management Extension is installed.
Why it's wrong here
IME is for Win32 app deployment, not Windows Update.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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 — 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: Ensure the Windows Update service is not disabled on the devices. — Option C is correct because the Windows Update for Business policy requires Windows Update service to be enabled. If it's disabled, updates won't apply. Option A is wrong because compliance policies don't block update rings. Option B is wrong because the Intune Management Extension is for Win32 apps, not updates. Option D is wrong because sync interval doesn't prevent policy application.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 →
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.