Why FileVault Encryption Status Is Pending in Intune
Your organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage macOS devices. You need to configure FileVault disk encryption for all devices. After deploying the policy, some devices report that encryption is pending. What is the most likely reason?
Quick Answer
The answer is that the user has not approved the recovery key escrow, which is the most likely reason FileVault encryption status shows as pending in Intune. FileVault disk encryption on macOS requires explicit user consent to escrow the personal recovery key with Intune; without this approval, the encryption process cannot complete and remains in a pending state. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the macOS enrollment and encryption workflow, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly blame policy misconfiguration or enrollment type. A common trap is assuming encryption applies silently like on Windows, but macOS demands user interaction for key escrow. Remember the mnemonic: “No escrow approval, no encryption final.”
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
✓
The user has not approved the recovery key escrow.
For FileVault encryption via Intune, the user must approve the escrow of the personal recovery key. If the user has not approved it, encryption may remain pending. Option B is incorrect: user enrollment does support FileVault policy, as long as the device is managed. Option C is incorrect: FileVault does not require a PIN; it uses a password set during encryption. Option D is incorrect: FileVault encryption is available on both supervised and unsupervised macOS devices when managed by Intune.
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 user has not approved the recovery key escrow.
Why this is correct
User must approve escrow when prompted.
- ✗
The devices are enrolled using user enrollment.
Why it's wrong here
User enrollment supports FileVault.
- ✗
The devices require a PIN to be set for recovery.
Why it's wrong here
FileVault uses a password, not a PIN.
- ✗
The devices are not supervised.
Why it's wrong here
FileVault does not require supervision.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Endpoint Management in Microsoft 365
Key term
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that helps organizations manage employee devices, apps, and security policies without needing to own or control the physical hardware.
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on MD-102
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage macOS devices. You need to ensure that all devices have FileVault disk encryption enabled. Which configuration profile type should you use?
easy- A.Custom
- ✓ B.Endpoint protection
- C.Device restrictions
- D.Device features
Why B: 'Endpoint protection' profiles include FileVault settings for macOS. Option A is incorrect because 'Custom' profiles are used for importing custom settings, not for encryption. Option C is incorrect because 'Device restrictions' contain general restrictions but not FileVault. Option D is incorrect because 'Device features' include settings like wallpaper and lock screen, not encryption.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.