Microsoft has officially retired the MD-100 and MD-101 certifications. These two exams were essential for those pursuing a career in desktop or systems administration, forming the core of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification. To simplify the certification path and modernize the curriculum, Microsoft introduced a new exam: the MD-102. This new certification merges and updates the content from both MD-100 and MD-101, making it more relevant for professionals who need to manage and secure devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11 in enterprise settings.
The MD-102, also known as the Endpoint Administrator Associate certification, is now the central focus for those preparing to work with modern enterprise devices. For those who were considering the MD-101, understanding its content and relevance is still important, especially if you’ve already started preparing or if your job responsibilities align with what the MD-101 used to cover.
You can begin your preparation for the updated exam using resources like exam-labs, which offer practice tests, dumps, and training materials tailored for Microsoft certifications.
Why IT Professionals Were Drawn to the MD-101
IT professionals, especially those with ambitions in desktop support or systems administration, found the MD-101 to be an essential certification. It wasn’t just about passing an exam; it was about proving you could manage Windows desktops across an enterprise environment. In many companies, having the MD-101 under your belt was the first significant step in your professional journey. It often served as a barometer for your seriousness and competence in the IT field.
The MD-101 wasn’t designed for absolute beginners. It was classified as an intermediate-level exam, demanding not only knowledge of Windows systems but also practical skills in deploying, configuring, managing, and securing them at scale. Before diving into the exam, candidates were encouraged to take preparatory courses, including Windows 10 training and enterprise device management tutorials, many of which are still accessible on platforms like exam-labs.
Despite its retirement, the MD-101 remains a solid benchmark of what intermediate-level Microsoft desktop administration knowledge looked like, and many of its concepts carry over to the MD-102. If you’re evaluating whether to study the older material or jump straight to the MD-102, understanding what the MD-101 covered can help guide your decision.
What Was the MD-101 Certification?
The full name of the MD-101 exam was “MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops.” It served as one-half of the required path to the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate credential. The other half was the MD-100: Windows 10 exam.
The MD-100 focused on a single system. It tested your ability to install and configure Windows 10 on individual devices. The MD-101 took it to the next level. It evaluated how well you could handle desktops at scale in enterprise environments. This included tasks like policy enforcement, profile management, app deployment, and security compliance.
Though candidates were not required to take both exams at once, they needed to pass both MD-100 and MD-101 to earn the full certification. Many people started with MD-100, gained confidence in their understanding of Windows 10, and then moved on to MD-101. Others, especially those with enterprise experience, went straight to MD-101.
The certification tested your readiness to administer a fleet of devices using Microsoft-native tools. With the rapid adoption of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and other cloud-connected management tools, the MD-101 content became even more relevant.
Major Focus Areas of the MD-101
Microsoft structured the MD-101 exam around four major objective areas:
- Deploying and Updating Operating Systems
This section accounted for approximately 35 to 40 percent of the exam. It required an in-depth understanding of deployment tools and methods like Windows Autopilot, dynamic deployment, and in-place upgrades. Candidates also needed to know how to manage updates effectively in an enterprise environment. - Managing Policies and Profiles
Making up about 25 to 30 percent of the exam, this section focused on co-management, device configuration profiles, and compliance policies. This is where the line between Microsoft Endpoint Manager and traditional Group Policy management became important. Candidates had to understand how to work with both. - Managing and Protecting Devices
This section covered about 20 to 25 percent of the exam. It emphasized device security and health monitoring. Candidates were expected to be familiar with Windows Defender features and how to implement Intune enrollment for managed devices. - Managing Apps and Data
The smallest section, around 10 to 15 percent, focused on app deployment and mobile application management. Candidates needed to understand how to install and update applications using tools like Intune and Windows Store for Business.
These areas weren’t isolated from each other. Real-world IT environments demand that administrators understand how policies, updates, device security, and apps work together. The MD-101 exam tried to simulate that interconnectedness by requiring candidates to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and practical problem-solving skills.
Practical Skills Tested on the Exam
To pass the MD-101, you needed more than theoretical knowledge. The exam tested practical, scenario-based skills, such as:
- Deploying Windows 10 using Autopilot and Configuration Manager
- Implementing device compliance using Intune
- Creating and assigning configuration profiles
- Managing user profiles with Windows Hello and roaming profiles
- Monitoring device health with Desktop Analytics
- Configuring app deployment policies
- Setting up Windows Defender features such as Application Guard and Credential Guard.
You also needed to understand how to manage different device types across multiple locations using centralized tools. Knowing how to do something in PowerShell or through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center was often just as important as knowing what the policy or feature was called.
The Value of MD-101 in a Microsoft-Based Environment
Many businesses run on Microsoft infrastructure. Whether it’s Office 365, Azure Active Directory, or Windows endpoints, Microsoft solutions dominate the enterprise space. For administrators working in this environment, the MD-101 offered a clear and trusted way to validate their skills.
Employers knew that someone with an MD-101 credential understood Microsoft’s best practices. From device lifecycle management to app deployment, the certification signified that the candidate could not only handle tasks but perform them in the Microsoft-approved way. This was valuable for companies that wanted consistency, compliance, and smooth integration with Microsoft tools.
And since the MD-101 was backed by Microsoft itself, it had instant credibility in job interviews and internal promotions. Employers didn’t need to evaluate whether the training was solid or whether the skills were relevant. Microsoft’s stamp of approval handled that.
For IT pros looking to stand out in a competitive job market, having the MD-101 on your resume could make the difference between getting called in for an interview or being passed over. Even now that the exam is retired, mentioning that you earned it shows initiative and dedication.
Transitioning from MD-101 to MD-102
If you were preparing for the MD-101 and didn’t get a chance to take it before it was retired, you don’t need to start over. Much of the material carries over to the MD-102. Many of the tools and concepts remain the same. What’s changed is the organization and modernization of the topics to include Windows 11 and a stronger emphasis on cloud-based management.
The MD-102 takes a more streamlined approach, incorporating both MD-100 and MD-101 content into a single exam. It prepares administrators to manage devices across both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems, using modern deployment and security tools.
If you have already been studying for MD-101, your knowledge isn’t wasted. You can transition your learning to MD-102 by reviewing updated exam objectives and using resources like exam-labs to align your study strategy with the new format.
How to Prepare for the MD-101 (and MD-102)
Despite its retirement, the MD-101 exam is still an excellent blueprint for learning how to manage Microsoft desktops in enterprise environments. And if you’re pivoting to MD-102, many of the same study strategies apply.
Here are some preparation tips:
- Use Practice Tests from exam-labs
Exam-labs offers practice tests and dumps that simulate real exam questions. These are useful for gauging your knowledge and identifying weak areas. - Hands-On Labs
Nothing beats practical experience. Use virtual machines or lab environments to test what you learn. Practice using Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and other tools you’ll see on the exam. - Official Microsoft Documentation
Microsoft’s documentation is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most accurate sources of up-to-date information. It’s especially helpful for learning how to use newer tools like Autopilot and Desktop Analytics. - Video Courses
While exam-labs provides practice questions and exam dumps, pairing them with video-based learning can give you a more complete understanding of the exam content. - Study Groups and Forums
Engage with other candidates preparing for the same exam. Communities can provide support, answer tricky questions, and offer tips on difficult topics.
A Closer Look at Deploying and Updating Operating Systems
One of the biggest parts of the MD-101 exam was focused on how to deploy and update operating systems across multiple devices. In real-world enterprise environments, this task is more than just installing Windows 10 or 11 on a single machine. Administrators are responsible for imaging, configuring, and delivering entire operating systems to hundreds or thousands of endpoints efficiently.
Understanding Modern Deployment Tools
Traditionally, organizations used tools like Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) for image-based deployment. These tools allowed IT teams to create a custom Windows image and push it to multiple machines over the network.
With the rise of cloud computing and remote work, newer methods like Windows Autopilot have become more popular. Autopilot allows companies to ship a device directly to the end user. When the device is turned on and connected to the internet, it automatically downloads the required configuration and policies from the cloud, making it enterprise-ready without manual setup by IT staff.
The MD-101 exam required candidates to understand the differences between these deployment methods, know when to use each, and be able to configure tools like Autopilot, MDT, and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM).
Update Management with Windows Update for Business
Updating devices in a large organization involves more than clicking “Check for updates.” IT administrators need to plan update rings, defer upgrades, and ensure mission-critical applications are not affected by new patches. Windows Update for Business is a Microsoft service that provides centralized control over how updates are delivered to managed endpoints.
The exam tested your ability to:
- Configure update policies using Microsoft Intune
- Set deferral periods and servicing channels.
- Use compliance reports to identify devices that failed to update
These are critical real-world skills, especially in industries like healthcare and finance, where systems need to stay secure and stable.
Managing Policies and Profiles: Controlling the User Experience
Another significant domain in the MD-101 certification was managing policies and user profiles. In a professional setting, administrators need to make sure users can do their work while keeping systems secure and standardized. This involves creating policies that define how devices behave and what users can or cannot do.
Configuration Profiles with Microsoft Intune
Configuration profiles are used to apply settings to Windows devices. These settings can include password requirements, Wi-Fi configurations, browser restrictions, desktop backgrounds, and more. Intune allows IT administrators to push these settings to enrolled devices through the cloud.
The MD-101 exam tested your ability to create, assign, and monitor these profiles. You were also expected to troubleshoot policy conflicts and understand how different policies interact.
For example, if a company wanted to require complex passwords and block USB devices, an administrator could create two separate policies and assign them to the same group. If there’s a conflict (e.g., one policy allows USB access and the other blocks it), the exam tests whether you understood how Microsoft resolves that conflict.
Co-management: Bridging the Gap Between Cloud and On-Premises
Many organizations are in a hybrid state, using both cloud-based Intune and on-premises Configuration Manager to manage devices. Co-management allows these two systems to work together. For example, an organization could use Configuration Manager for deploying apps and Intune for applying security policies.
The MD-101 covered how to:
- Enable co-management
- Decide which workloads should be handled by Intune versus Configuration Manager
- Transition management tasks from on-prem to the cloud
Understanding this hybrid approach is valuable because it reflects what many IT departments face during their transition to cloud-first operations.
Managing and Protecting Devices: Security and Health
This domain covered how to keep devices secure and make sure they are operating efficiently. Security isn’t just about installing antivirus software anymore—it involves monitoring, compliance, encryption, and endpoint protection strategies that meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
Using Microsoft Defender Features
Windows Defender is no longer just a basic antivirus. It’s now a full-featured endpoint protection suite, including:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Provides real-time threat detection and response
- Microsoft Defender Application Guard: Isolates untrusted websites in a virtual container
- Microsoft Defender Credential Guard: Protects credentials in memory from theft
- Microsoft Defender Firewall and SmartScreen: Adds further protection against external threats.
The MD-101 exam required candidates to know how to enable, configure, and monitor these features using both Intune and Configuration Manager. For instance, if an organization wanted to enable Credential Guard across 500 laptops, the candidate needed to know how to do it using a deployment profile or group policy setting.
Encryption and Compliance Policies
Organizations often require device encryption to protect sensitive data. BitLocker is Microsoft’s built-in encryption solution. Through Intune or Configuration Manager, IT admins can enforce BitLocker policies and ensure recovery keys are stored securely.
MD-101 also tested the use of compliance policies, which ensure devices meet certain security standards before being allowed to access corporate resources. For example, a policy might block access to Office 365 if the device doesn’t have BitLocker enabled or if it’s missing a security update.
These compliance checks help organizations prevent data leaks and maintain control over their digital assets.
Managing Apps and Data: Software Deployment at Scale
Though a smaller section of the MD-101, managing apps and data is critical to the day-to-day tasks of any IT administrator. The exam covered topics like application deployment, app protection policies, and Windows Store integration.
Deploying Applications with Intune
Intune supports deploying a wide variety of applications, including:
- Line-of-business apps (custom-built internal software)
- Microsoft Store apps
- MSI and EXE packages
- Web links or progressive web apps (PWAs)
Administrators can assign apps to specific users or devices and monitor installation success. The MD-101 exam tested whether you could:
- Package and upload apps to Intune
- Assign them the correct installation behavior.
- Monitor failed installs and troubleshoot log.s
Understanding how to do this efficiently is vital, especially in remote work environments where users may not be connected to the company network.
Mobile Application Management (MAM) and Data Protection
Intune supports Mobile Application Management (MAM), which allows organizations to apply protection policies to applications without requiring full device enrollment. This is especially helpful for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments.
For example, a company could apply a MAM policy that prevents employees from copying and pasting data from Outlook to personal apps like WhatsApp or Notes. This level of control protects sensitive data without compromising user privacy.
The MD-101 exam expected you to understand how to create these policies, assign them, and evaluate whether they were working as intended.
Real-World Relevance of MD-101 Skills
Everything covered by the MD-101 isn’t just useful for passing a test. It reflects real responsibilities that IT administrators deal with every day. Whether you’re in a healthcare company managing compliance with HIPAA or in a financial firm maintaining strict audit logs, the tools and methods from MD-101 apply directly.
In real-world environments, here are common tasks you’ll encounter that align with MD-101 skills:
- Rolling out Windows 11 upgrades across hundreds of machines with minimal downtime
- Managing work-from-home devices securely using Intune
- Monitoring device compliance and quickly remediating issues
- Automating policy enforcement and reducing human error
- Ensuring sensitive company data is protected, even on personal devices
Understanding these practical applications helps bridge the gap between what you study for the exam and what you’ll do in your job.
Resources for Practicing and Advancing Your Knowledge
Even though the MD-101 exam has been retired, many resources built for it are still incredibly useful. They serve as a solid foundation for MD-102 or general enterprise device management.
Use the following to reinforce your knowledge:
- Exam-labs: Offers MD-101 and MD-102 practice tests, study guides, and Cloud Dumps to simulate exam conditions.
- Microsoft Learn: Free, interactive tutorials directly from Microsoft’s platform.
- Virtual Labs: Set up Windows environments in VirtualBox or Hyper-V and practice deployment, policy management, and application rollouts.
- PowerShell Scripts: Learn and practice automation for tasks like creating local users, installing updates, or deploying apps.
- Community Forums: Join study groups on Reddit or Discord where others preparing for MD-102 can share tips and ask questions.
Transitioning from MD-101 to MD-102 – What Changed and Why It Matters
The Shift Toward Role-Based Certifications
Microsoft’s decision to retire the MD-101 exam was not random. It was part of a larger effort to restructure their certification program around specific job roles rather than broad technologies. This change wasn’t just a branding decision—it reflected how IT work has evolved in real-world organizations.
In the past, certifications like MCSA and MCSE focused heavily on Windows Server, Active Directory, and basic client management. But as enterprises began adopting cloud-first strategies and hybrid work environments, these old certifications started feeling outdated.
Microsoft responded by creating role-based certifications, which better align with what IT professionals do. Instead of testing general knowledge, Microsoft now focuses on practical, task-driven skills tailored to job functions like:
- Endpoint administrator
- Security operations analyst
- Cloud administrator
- Identity and access specialist
This shift is what led to the introduction of the MD-102: Endpoint Administrator certification, which replaces and expands on the MD-101 exam.
From MD-101 to MD-102: What’s New and What Stayed the Same
While MD-101 provided strong coverage of Windows endpoint management, MD-102 goes deeper into Microsoft 365 services, cloud-first deployment, and zero trust security principles. Here’s a breakdown of how the topics evolved.
Continued Focus on Device Management
MD-102 retains the core elements of device management from MD-101, including:
- Deploying Windows devices using Autopilot
- Managing devices with Intune and Configuration Manager
- Applying policies to enforce compliance and security
These topics were foundational in MD-101 and are just as relevant now. What changed in MD-102 is the increased emphasis on managing devices in hybrid or cloud-only environments.
For example, in MD-102, you are expected to understand how to:
- Enroll devices using automated MDM enrollment methods
- Implement policy baselines for compliance.
- Use Windows Autopatch to streamline OS and app updates.s
These are tools more commonly found in cloud-native organizations, where IT must manage devices over the internet rather than on-premises.
More Emphasis on Security and Identity Integration
MD-101 included sections on security, such as configuring Defender Antivirus or enabling BitLocker encryption. But MD-102 takes it further by introducing topics that align with modern security frameworks like zero trust.
This includes:
- Using Conditional Access policies to control how and when users can access resources
- Integrating Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Intune to detect and remediate threats
- Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless sign-in options
These updates reflect how companies are now more concerned with identity security and endpoint health as primary attack vectors in cyberattacks.
Integration with Microsoft 365 Services
MD-101 focused heavily on device configuration and on-premise support tools like SCCM. But MD-102 brings in broader Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams, Exchange Online, and OneDrive for Business.
Administrators are now expected to:
- Configure user profiles and data redirection using OneDrive
- Support Teams policies and settings through Intune
- Manage app protection policies for Office mobile apps.
These additions show how the endpoint administrator role now overlaps with collaboration tools, cloud storage, and remote access configurations.
Why This Evolution Matters in Modern IT Environments
The shift from MD-101 to MD-102 mirrors changes in how organizations operate. Traditional IT environments where all devices were connected to an internal domain and managed through local group policy are fading. In their place are environments where:
- Employees use personal devices to access corporate data
- Devices are distributed globally with no local IT support.
- Apps are hosted in the cloud, not installed locally.
- Security must be enforced even when devices are not on the corporate network.k
MD-102 focuses on solving these problems using cloud services like Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
For IT professionals, this means certification is not just about proving you know how to install Windows or deploy updates. It’s about showing you can protect data, support users, and manage infrastructure in a remote-first, cloud-powered world.
The New MD-102 Exam Structure
The MD-102 exam is organized around the skills needed for a modern Endpoint Administrator. Here’s an overview of its four major domains:
- Deploy Windows Client
- Use Windows Autopilot
- Configure out-of-box experience (OOBE)
- Plan and implement Windows updates.s
- Manage Identity and Compliance
- Configure Microsoft Entra ID join and hybrid join.
- Implement compliance policies and Conditional Access.s
- Monitor and report on compliance using Intune
- Manage, Maintain, and Protect Devices
- Apply device configuration profiles.
- Deploy security baselines and endpoint protection.
- Configure Defender for Endpoint
- Manage Applications
- Deploy Microsoft Store apps and line-of-business app.s
- Use app protection and app configuration polici.es
- Monitor app installs and us.age
Each domain builds upon the foundations established in MD-101 but adds more depth in areas that reflect modern enterprise challenges.
Preparing for MD-102: Resources and Tips
If you previously studied for MD-101 or already passed it, you’ll find a lot of overlap in MD-102. However, you’ll need to expand your knowledge in cloud security, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 integrations.
To prepare effectively:
- Use exam-labs to take realistic Cloud Practice tests and explore MD-102 Cloud Dumps to review common question formats.
- Go through Microsoft Learn’s Endpoint Administrator collection, which covers all domains with hands-on modules.
- Practice setting up Windows Autopilot using a virtual lab to simulate deployment from the cloud.
- Learn to configure Conditional Access policies in Microsoft Entra to see how identity management impacts device access.
- Experiment with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in a trial tenant to understand how alerts and compliance policies are handled.
These real-world exercises not only prepare you for the exam but also boost your confidence in solving problems you’ll encounter on the job.
MD-101 Still Holds Value for Your Career
Even though MD-101 is now retired, it still holds value if you earned it before the transition. Microsoft allows previously certified professionals to maintain their credentials as long as it’s valid. Plus, the knowledge gained from MD-101 transfers directly to MD-102 and other certifications, including:
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (now transitioning)
- Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (via certification paths)
Employers recognize MD-101 as a solid credential for professionals with hands-on skills in device management, especially in environments where hybrid or legacy systems are still in place.
What to Do After MD-101 – Skills, Careers, and What Comes Next in 2025
The Continuing Value of MD-101 Skills
Even though the MD-101 exam is officially retired, the skills it covered are still extremely useful in today’s IT world. That’s because the core responsibilities of managing and maintaining endpoints haven’t changed—they’ve just evolved. Organizations still need IT professionals who understand how to:
- Deploy and configure Windows operating systems
- Manage users, devices, and applications.s
- Enforce compliance and security policies.s
- Troubleshoot problems across networks, devices, and software
What has changed is how these tasks are done. Instead of relying solely on on-premises tools like Group Policy or Configuration Manager (SCCM), more organizations now use cloud-based platforms like Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
The foundational knowledge gained from studying MD-101 gives you a huge advantage when learning newer tools and preparing for updated certifications like MD-102. If you’ve already passed MD-101, you are in a great position to move into more advanced or specialized IT roles.
Translating MD-101 Skills to Real-World IT Roles
IT job roles have shifted from purely technical to more hybrid and cloud-focused responsibilities. But the knowledge you gained from MD-101 translates directly into several high-demand roles.
1. Endpoint Administrator
This is the most direct continuation of the MD-101 skillset. Organizations are always looking for professionals who can manage laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile phones—especially in remote-first environments. Key responsibilities include:
- Setting up zero-touch deployments using Windows Autopilot
- Applying configuration profiles through Microsoft Intune
- Enforcing mobile application management (MAM) policies
- Managing updates, patches, and antivirus with cloud-based tools
2. Microsoft 365 Administrator
If your MD-101 training included using Microsoft 365 services like OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint, you’re already halfway prepared for this role. A Microsoft 365 administrator manages the full cloud collaboration environment, including:
- User accounts and licensing via Microsoft Entra IDTeams’ms governance and messaging policies
- Office app deployment and policy enforcement
- Security reporting and data loss prevention (DLP) policies
3. IT Support Specialist (Advanced Tier)
While help desk roles often deal with basic troubleshooting, more advanced support specialists handle:
- Endpoint provisioning
- Security compliance
- Device health monitoring
- Escalated system issues involving hybrid infrastructures
MD-101 skills give you the technical foundation to perform in this role confidently and troubleshoot complex issues across both on-premises and cloud environments.
Certification Path After MD-101 in 2025
Since MD-101 has been retired, you might wonder what the best next step is for your certification journey. Here are some options to consider.
MD-102: Microsoft Endpoint Administrator
This is the official replacement for MD-101 and your most logical next step. MD-102 covers everything you already know, plus new skills in Microsoft Entra ID, zero trust, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Earning the MD-102 certification proves that you are updated on Microsoft’s latest endpoint management practices.
To prepare, make use of:
- Cloud Practice test platforms that simulate real exam conditions
- Cloud Dumps from exam-labs to get familiar with the types of questions being asked
- Microsoft Learn labs that offer real-world scenarios
This combination of resources will help bridge any gaps between your MD-101 knowledge and MD-102 requirements.
SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator
If you enjoyed the identity management topics in MD-101, such as Azure AD (now Microsoft Entra ID), group policies, and device joins, this certification is a great follow-up. It focuses specifically on identity protection, conditional access, and compliance—a key part of securing endpoints in modern networks.
MS-102: Microsoft 365 Administrator
This exam is ideal if you want to expand your reach beyond just devices. It covers:
- User and license management
- Email and Teams configuration
- Compliance and data governance
- Threat protection using Microsoft Defender
MS-102 positions you as someone who understands the full Microsoft 365 suite, making you a valuable asset to any organization using cloud collaboration tools.
AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
If you’re interested in infrastructure, cloud networking, and managing virtual environments, this Azure-focused certification complements your MD-101 foundation. While MD-101 was client-focused, AZ-104 introduces you to cloud services like:
- Virtual machines
- Load balancing
- Identity governance
- Azure policies and automation
This can be the start of your journey into cloud infrastructure or DevOps.
Building a Long-Term IT Career Using Your MD-101 Experience
While exams and certifications are important, your real-world experience is what builds a long-term career. If you’ve studied for or passed MD-101, make sure to apply your knowledge in real environments. Here’s how:
1. Set Up a Lab Environment
You can use virtual machines, trial Microsoft 365 tenants, and free Intune access to:
- Test Windows Autopilot setups
- Configure device compliance policies
- Deploy apps and apply update rings.
Doing this gives you hands-on experience that makes your resume stand out and prepares you for more advanced roles or interviews.
2. Document Your Skills
Whether you’re applying for a job or preparing for a promotion, being able to talk about what you’ve done is key. Keep a portfolio of:
- Scripts you’ve written in PowerShell
- Screenshots from your Autopilot deployment
- Projects where you helped improve security or compliance
These make a great addition to your resume or LinkedIn profile and show that you don’t just have certifications—you have real experience.
3. Stay Current with Microsoft Changes
Microsoft frequently updates its platforms. New features appear in Intune, Microsoft Defender, and Teams almost monthly. To stay relevant, follow:
- Microsoft blogs and product update channels
- Technical YouTube channels focused on Intune and Microsoft 365
- Community forums like TechCommunity and Reddit
Also, plan to renew your certifications annually by taking free Microsoft-provided assessments. These quick online tests keep your certification active and prove you’re keeping up with changes.
Conclusion: MD-101 Was a Foundation, Not an End
The retirement of the MD-101 exam doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant—it just means Microsoft is pushing the ecosystem toward more modern and cloud-first tools. If you studied for or passed MD-101, you already have the critical thinking and technical foundation needed to grow into higher roles like:
- Endpoint Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Cloud Infrastructure Administrator
Now is the perfect time to build on those skills by preparing for MD-102 and branching into specialized certifications like SC-300 or MS-102.
