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Can Microsoft 365 Business Basic Join Windows to a Domain?
Question details
A user needs to know whether their Microsoft 365 Business Basic subscription grants them the ability to join a Windows computer to an on-premises Active Directory or cloud domain.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Configuring corporate devices and connecting a Windows computer to a company network using Microsoft 365 credentials.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic does not include a Windows operating system license, meaning domain joining relies entirely on the pre-existing Windows edition and network setup.
Verify your current Windows edition by navigating to Settings > System > About, as joining a traditional domain or Microsoft Entra ID requires Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
Join an On-Premises Active Directory Domain
Use this method if your organization relies on a traditional local network server and your PC is running an eligible Windows edition.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic alone does not grant domain-join capabilities or Windows OS upgrade rights. However, if your computer already has Windows Pro or Enterprise installed and you have access to an appropriately configured Active Directory environment, you can join the domain manually.
Click the Windows Start menu, select the gear icon to open Settings, and navigate to the 'Accounts' section.
Select 'Access work or school' from the left-hand navigation pane, then click the 'Connect' button.
Look under 'Alternate actions' at the bottom of the window, click 'Join this device to a local Active Directory domain', and follow the prompts to enter your domain name and administrator credentials.
Join Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
Use this method if your organization uses cloud infrastructure and manages identities via Microsoft Entra ID.
Need desktop Office apps for your newly configured PC?
Microsoft 365 Business Basic only provides web and mobile versions of Office apps. If you need powerful desktop software on your newly domain-joined Windows PC without upgrading your subscription, WPS Office is the perfect solution.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install on Your PC: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and easily open, edit, or save your existing Microsoft Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 Business Basic include Windows Pro?
No, Microsoft 365 Business Basic does not include a Windows operating system license or upgrade rights. If you have Windows Home and need to join a domain, you will have to purchase a Windows Pro upgrade separately or upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, which includes Windows for Business.
Why is the 'Join a domain' option missing on my computer?
The option to join an Active Directory domain is hidden if your computer is running Windows Home edition. Traditional and cloud domain joining is only supported on Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
Can I use desktop Office apps with Microsoft 365 Business Basic?
Microsoft 365 Business Basic only provides access to the web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. To use desktop applications, you must either upgrade your Microsoft plan or download a free compatible alternative like WPS Office.
