Quick Answer
The answer is that the device is not registered in Microsoft Entra ID. Even when a device shows as compliant in Intune, Conditional Access policies rely on the device object existing in Entra ID to evaluate compliance status; without registration, the policy cannot link the compliance signal to the user’s access request, resulting in a block. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the dependency chain: Intune manages compliance, but Entra ID is the identity layer that enforces Conditional Access—a common trap is assuming Intune compliance alone is sufficient. Remember the memory tip: “Compliance without registration is like a key without a lock”—the device must be registered in Entra ID for the policy to work.
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities. 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.
A company uses Microsoft Intune and wants to ensure that devices are compliant before accessing corporate resources. They create a Conditional Access policy that requires devices to be marked as compliant. However, some users report that they are blocked even though their device shows as compliant in Intune. What is the most likely cause?
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 user's location is blocked by a location-based policy
Why wrong: No location condition mentioned.
The policy also requires MFA, and users haven't registered for MFA
Why wrong: The stem does not mention MFA requirement.
The device is not registered in Microsoft Entra ID
Compliance check requires device registration.
The policy requires an app protection policy, which is not applied
Why wrong: The policy only requires compliance.
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 device is not registered in Microsoft Entra ID
Option B is correct because the device must be registered in Entra ID for the Conditional Access policy to evaluate its compliance status. Option A is incorrect because the policy is for compliant devices, not MFA. Option C is incorrect because the policy is for compliance, not app protection. Option D is incorrect because location is not mentioned.
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 user's location is blocked by a location-based policy
Why it's wrong here
No location condition mentioned.
The policy also requires MFA, and users haven't registered for MFA
Why it's wrong here
The stem does not mention MFA requirement.
The device is not registered in Microsoft Entra ID
Why this is correct
Compliance check requires device registration.
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 policy requires an app protection policy, which is not applied
Why it's wrong here
The policy only requires compliance.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Identify which SC-100 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.
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FAQ
Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — This question tests Design security operations, identity, and compliance capabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The device is not registered in Microsoft Entra ID — Option B is correct because the device must be registered in Entra ID for the Conditional Access policy to evaluate its compliance status. Option A is incorrect because the policy is for compliant devices, not MFA. Option C is incorrect because the policy is for compliance, not app protection. Option D is incorrect because location is not mentioned.
Identify which SC-100 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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