MD-102 Protect devices Practice Question
Your organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage Windows 11 devices. You notice that some devices are not receiving security updates even though update rings are assigned. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume missing updates are due to compliance or connectivity issues, but the MD-102 exam specifically tests the understanding that deferral periods in update rings can delay security updates even when the policy is correctly assigned.
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
✓
Update ring policy has a deferral period configured that delays updates
Update ring policies in Microsoft Intune include a deferral period setting that delays the installation of updates for a specified number of days after Microsoft releases them. If a deferral period is configured (e.g., 30 days for feature updates or 7 days for quality updates), devices will not receive security updates until that period expires, even though the update ring is assigned. This is a common configuration to allow testing before broad deployment, but it can mistakenly be overlooked when troubleshooting missing updates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Devices are noncompliant and blocked from receiving updates
Why it's wrong here
Noncompliance doesn't prevent updates; it may affect access.
- ✗
Devices are not enrolled in Intune
Why it's wrong here
If assigned, devices are enrolled.
- ✓
Update ring policy has a deferral period configured that delays updates
Why this is correct
Deferral periods can significantly delay update installation.
- ✗
Devices are not connected to the internet
Why it's wrong here
If some devices are affected, connectivity is unlikely the cause for all.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Endpoint Management in Microsoft 365
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every MD-102 question from scratch — 942 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.