Quick Answer
The answer is to first check that Windows Update for Business is configured to update definitions. This is correct because while a security baseline enforces antivirus configuration settings, it does not manage the delivery mechanism for definition updates; Windows Defender Antivirus relies on Windows Update to download and apply the latest definitions. Without Windows Update for Business properly configured to deliver these updates, devices can have all the correct baseline policies applied yet still run outdated definitions, as the update channel itself is blocked. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that security baselines and update policies are separate controls—a common trap is assuming a baseline alone handles updates. Remember the memory tip: “Baseline sets the rules, but Windows Update delivers the tools.”
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 organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage Windows 10 devices. You need to ensure that all devices have Windows Defender Antivirus enabled and up to date. You create a security baseline that includes antivirus settings and assign it to all devices. After a week, you find that some devices still have outdated antivirus definitions. 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.
Verify that the security baseline is assigned to the devices.
Why wrong: Baseline is assigned.
Check the device compliance status.
Why wrong: Compliance may not reflect definition updates.
Ensure that Windows Update for Business is configured to update definitions.
Definitions are updated via Windows Update.
Review the device's network firewall settings.
Why wrong: Not likely the cause.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Ensure that Windows Update for Business is configured to update definitions.
The security baseline assigns configuration settings, but it does not automatically trigger definition updates. Windows Defender Antivirus definitions are updated via Windows Update, so Windows Update for Business must be configured to deliver those updates. Without this, devices may have the correct baseline policies but still run outdated definitions.
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.
Verify that the security baseline is assigned to the devices.
Why it's wrong here
Baseline is assigned.
Check the device compliance status.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance may not reflect definition updates.
Ensure that Windows Update for Business is configured to update definitions.
Why this is correct
Definitions are updated via Windows Update.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Review the device's network firewall settings.
Why it's wrong here
Not likely the cause.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume a security baseline automatically handles all aspects of antivirus management, including definition updates, when in reality the baseline only configures settings and relies on a separate update channel (Windows Update) to deliver the definitions.
Detailed technical explanation
Windows Defender Antivirus definitions are updated through the Windows Update client, which can be managed via Windows Update for Business policies or directly through Microsoft Update. The security baseline can set the 'Definition Update Frequency' policy (e.g., every 4 hours), but the actual download requires the Windows Update service to be active and reachable. If Windows Update for Business is not configured, devices may rely on manual updates or fall back to Microsoft Update, which can be blocked by group policies or missing connectivity.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Ensure that Windows Update for Business is configured to update definitions. — The security baseline assigns configuration settings, but it does not automatically trigger definition updates. Windows Defender Antivirus definitions are updated via Windows Update, so Windows Update for Business must be configured to deliver those updates. Without this, devices may have the correct baseline policies but still run outdated definitions.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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