(How) can I join a workgroup while remaining on a domain in Windows 7?

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Simple answer is that you can't - the system is either a domain member or a workgroup member.

Long answer is that you probably don't need to. You can probably get away with just keeping it on the domain.

I have never had any problem accessing shared resources hosted by non-member systems from a domain-joined system; that is to say, you don't need to be a member of the workgroup in order to use its shared resources - you just need to have valid credentials for the non-domain server you're accessing.

Likewise, I've never had any trouble accessing shared resources hosted on domain-joined servers from non-domain systems; typically, you just need to provide domain-based credentials when accessing the particular resource. For instance, you could use this command line to map a network drive hosted on a domain member server from a non-domain client system:

net use x: \\memberserver\sharename /user:domain\username

You can use this approach with graphical tools as well.

I can't guarantee this sort of thing will work in all network configurations, but it's always worked for me.

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5ives
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Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

  • 5ives
    5ives over 1 year

    I learned (the hard way) that joining a workgroup while on a domain removes you from a domain. I need the computer connected to the domain so it can connect it's internet, but I would like to connected to the workgroup for file/printer sharing, etcetera. To re-join the domain I need administrative privileges (on the domain) which I don't have.

    • mythofechelon
      mythofechelon over 8 years
      Don't you need administrative permissions to leave a domain?
  • 5ives
    5ives over 11 years
    Are there any alternaives?
  • mic84
    mic84 over 8 years
    Welcome to superuser, the aim here is to provide an as complete answer with the link as a backup source. this makes it easier and quick to read but mainly it leaves a record should the link be changed (broken) at any time, but thank-you for your first answer.