To join a Windows 11 PC to Azure AD, now called Microsoft Entra ID, open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, click Connect, and choose Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID under Alternate actions. Sign in with your work or school account, confirm the organization, and restart. You need Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, and your organization must allow device joins.
Joining gives your organization management control of the PC, so do it only on devices your organization owns or has approved.
Quick Answer
Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect > Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID > sign in > Join > restart.
Before You Start
- Check the edition in Settings > System > About. Windows 11 Home can’t join Entra ID; it can only add a work account for apps.
- Make sure your IT team allows users to join devices, or has given you permission.
- Back up files from any local account you use now. After joining, you’ll sign in with the work account, which has its own profile.
- Stay connected to the internet during the join.
Join the Device
- Press Win + I and go to Accounts > Access work or school.
- Click Connect.
- Under Alternate actions, click Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID (older builds may say Azure Active Directory).
- Enter your work or school email and password, and complete multifactor sign-in if asked.
- Check that the organization name is correct and click Join.
- Click Done, then restart and sign in with Other user using your work account.
Join vs. Register vs. Hybrid Join
| Option | What it does | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Entra join | Work account signs in to Windows; organization manages the PC | Company-owned PCs |
| Add a work account (registered) | Access to work apps and email; you keep your personal sign-in | Personal PCs, bring your own device |
| Hybrid join | Joined to on-premises Active Directory and Entra ID | Set up by IT through domain tools |
Check That the Join Worked
- In Access work or school, the account shows Connected to [organization] Microsoft Entra ID.
- In Terminal, run
dsregcmd /statusand look for AzureAdJoined : YES.
Troubleshooting
- The Join option is missing: You’re on Windows 11 Home, or the PC is already joined or registered. Check the edition and existing accounts.
- “You’ve reached the limit” or “not allowed”: Your organization limits device joins. Contact IT.
- Something went wrong (error code): Note the code and send it to IT; common causes are a device limit, conditional access, or an existing registration.
- You need to leave the organization later: An administrator on the PC can disconnect it in Access work or school; see how to remove a work account. Make sure you have a local admin account first, as described in how to create a local account on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure AD the same as Microsoft Entra ID?
Yes. Microsoft renamed Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID in 2023. The service and join process are the same.
Can I join a personal PC?
Only if your organization allows it. For personal devices, adding a work account is usually the better choice.
Will joining erase my files?
No, but you’ll sign in with a new profile, so your old files stay in the previous account’s folder.
Summary
- Confirm Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect.
- Choose Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID and sign in.
- Restart and sign in with your work account.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.