Direct answer
Confirm that the device meets the applicable requirements, the intended policy is deployed and Credential Guard is actually running. Review compatibility and exceptions before changing a managed configuration.
Establish the intended policy
Record the device's Windows version, role, management group and expected identity protections. Review the organization's approved baseline and current Microsoft requirements, since support and default behavior depend on platform and configuration.
Inspect running state
Microsoft documents checks using device security information and WinInit events to determine whether Credential Guard is configured and running. Record the collection method, time and device; configuration assigned in a management portal alone does not prove the component is active.
Reference: Microsoft: Configure and verify Credential Guard.
Investigate a mismatch
If policy says enabled but the service is not running, examine prerequisites, policy conflicts, virtualization-based security configuration and relevant events with the endpoint administrator. Avoid disabling related controls to make a report look clean. Some applications or authentication workflows may require compatibility testing.
Pilot and verify
Test any configuration change on a representative nonproduction device, verify sign-in and required applications, then recheck running state after the required restart and policy refresh. Document devices not supported or unavailable and assign exceptions to an owner.
Assessment limits
Credential Guard protects certain secrets using virtualization-based security; it does not secure all credentials, prevent phishing or replace a complete identity and endpoint security program.
Frequently asked questions
Is a deployed policy proof Credential Guard is running?
No. Verify the running state and prerequisites on the affected device after policy processing and restart.
Does Credential Guard protect every credential?
No. Consult Microsoft's current applicability and limitations for the credentials and authentication methods in use.
Should changes be deployed to every device immediately?
Pilot with representative applications and recovery procedures before a wider managed rollout.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.