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New windows 11 surface unable to join a domain

Jonathan Ricks 40 Reputation points
2025-11-12T15:03:00.5833333+00:00

We have a new OOB surface that was set up with a Microsoft account. Back when we could set up devices with local accounts, we could join a domain as follows.

settings -> about -> domain or workgroup -> network ID

Now network ID is grayed out, and I'm not sure why.

Surface | Surface Pro | Network
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  1. Barb Bowman 80,195 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-11-12T16:26:27.78+00:00

    Unless you purchased the Surface Pro 11 FOR BUSINESS, your SP11 was most likely supplied with Windows 11 HOME, which cannot join a domain. The consumer version of the SP11 is Snapdragon (ARM) powered with Windows 11 Home, while the business version is Intel powered with Windows 11 Pro.

    If you have the consumer model with Home, you would need to upgrade to Pro in order to join a domain.

    When the setting you reference is greyed out, it indicated the OS is the HOME version

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  1. JANSHER L 7,925 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-12T15:46:58.4833333+00:00

    Hi Jonathan,

    Thank you for posting, I am here to help you today.

    Check if your Surface Pro is running Windows 11 or Windows 11 Pro. Only Windows 11 can be joined to a Domain.

    To check:

    Click start button then type winver and press enter. Check if you are running Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro

    Did you logged in with the local administrator account? Can you also check if the workstation service is started and running?

    Let me know how this goes. Looking forward to helping you out.  If you need more help please feel free to let me know. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer".

    Best regards,

    Jansher

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