Quick Answer
The answer is that the 200 devices showing a security baseline pending status require a device reboot to apply the settings. This occurs because Microsoft Intune security baselines deploy configurations through Configuration Service Provider (CSP) policies, many of which—like those for BitLocker encryption and Windows Defender Antivirus—are not fully applied until the device restarts, leaving the status stuck on pending even when the device is online and connected. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Intune’s policy enforcement lifecycle and the common trap of assuming connectivity or assignment issues are the root cause when a reboot is the actual missing step. Remember that CSP-based settings often need a reboot to finalize, so scheduling a maintenance window restart resolves the pending status. Memory tip: think “CSP needs a RSP” (Restart to Sync Policy).
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of protect 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.
Your company uses Microsoft Intune to manage 1,000 Windows 10 devices. You need to deploy a security baseline that includes BitLocker encryption, Windows Defender Antivirus settings, and firewall rules. You create a security baseline policy in Intune and assign it to a group containing all devices. After 48 hours, you notice that only 800 devices have applied the baseline. The remaining 200 devices show 'Pending' status. These devices are online and have network connectivity. What is the most likely cause and solution?
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 devices need a reboot to apply the baseline settings; schedule a reboot.
Many security baseline settings require reboot.
The devices are not in the correct group; re-assign the policy.
Why wrong: The policy is assigned to all devices.
Re-create the security baseline and assign again.
Why wrong: This would not address the pending state.
The devices have low battery; plug them in.
Why wrong: They are online and connected.
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 devices need a reboot to apply the baseline settings; schedule a reboot.
Option D is correct because the security baseline uses Configuration Service Provider (CSP) settings that require a reboot to apply. Scheduling a reboot during maintenance hours will apply the baseline. Option A is wrong because the baseline is assigned. Option B is wrong because the devices are online. Option C is wrong because re-creating the policy won't help if the devices need a reboot.
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 devices need a reboot to apply the baseline settings; schedule a reboot.
Why this is correct
Many security baseline settings require reboot.
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 devices are not in the correct group; re-assign the policy.
Why it's wrong here
The policy is assigned to all devices.
Re-create the security baseline and assign again.
Why it's wrong here
This would not address the pending state.
The devices have low battery; plug them in.
Why it's wrong here
They are online and connected.
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.
Protect devices — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Protect devices — This question tests Protect devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The devices need a reboot to apply the baseline settings; schedule a reboot. — Option D is correct because the security baseline uses Configuration Service Provider (CSP) settings that require a reboot to apply. Scheduling a reboot during maintenance hours will apply the baseline. Option A is wrong because the baseline is assigned. Option B is wrong because the devices are online. Option C is wrong because re-creating the policy won't help if the devices need a reboot.
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
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