220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A company requires all Windows 10 workstations to be able to join an Active Directory domain. Which edition of Windows 10 must be installed on these workstations?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse Windows 10 S Mode as a separate edition rather than a configuration mode, leading them to think it inherently blocks domain join, when in fact the underlying edition (Home vs. Pro) is the deciding factor.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro includes the necessary components to join an Active Directory domain, such as the ability to authenticate against a domain controller using Kerberos and to apply Group Policy Objects. Windows 10 Home lacks the Domain Join feature entirely, as it is designed for consumer use and cannot participate in a domain environment. Windows 10 S Mode is a security-focused configuration that can be applied to various editions, but it does not inherently provide domain join capabilities unless the underlying edition is Pro or Enterprise.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Windows 10 Home
Why it's wrong here
Windows 10 Home is a consumer-oriented edition that does not include the Active Directory domain join feature. It only supports local user accounts or Microsoft account sign-in, so a machine running Home cannot authenticate against a domain controller or receive domain-based Group Policy. This makes it unsuitable for a company that requires all workstations to join an Active Directory domain.
- ✓
Windows 10 Pro
Why this is correct
Windows 10 Pro is the entry-level edition that includes the Domain Join feature, allowing the computer to authenticate against an Active Directory domain and be centrally managed via Group Policy. It supports both local and domain accounts, and is the minimum edition that meets the company's requirement for all Windows 10 workstations to join the domain. Higher-tier editions like Enterprise and Education also include this capability, but Pro suffices.
- ✗
Windows 10 S Mode
Why it's wrong here
Windows 10 S Mode is not a separate edition but a locked-down operational mode that can be enabled on either Home or Pro versions. While a Windows 10 Pro machine in S Mode might technically support domain join if switched out of S Mode, the S Mode itself restricts installations to Microsoft Store apps and disables command-line tools and other administrative functions needed for seamless domain integration. In practice, buying a device pre-installed with S Mode often means Windows 10 Home, which cannot join a domain at all; therefore, S Mode is not a reliable option for this requirement.
- ✗
Windows 10 IoT Core
Why it's wrong here
Windows 10 IoT Core is a specialized edition designed for embedded devices, kiosks, and IoT hardware such as development boards. It features a stripped-down interface, supports only a single UWP application at a time, and completely lacks the ability to join an Active Directory domain. Even if it could connect to a network, it cannot authenticate with domain controllers or participate in centralized management, making it completely inappropriate for standard workstations in a corporate domain environment.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Update Configuration
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1102
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A small business needs to join all its Windows 10 computers to a centralized Active Directory domain for centralized management. Which edition of Windows 10 is the minimum required for domain join capability?
easy- A.Windows 10 Home
- ✓ B.Windows 10 Pro
- C.Windows 10 S Mode
- D.Windows 10 Enterprise
Why B: Windows 10 Pro is the minimum edition that includes the necessary components to join an Active Directory domain. Domain join requires the ability to authenticate against a domain controller using Kerberos and to apply Group Policy Objects, features that are absent in Windows 10 Home. Windows 10 Enterprise also supports domain join but is not the minimum requirement.
Variation 2. A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation to join a corporate Active Directory domain. The technician opens System Properties and clicks 'Change settings' next to 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings', but the option to join a domain is not available. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason?
easy- A.The technician is not logged in with an administrative account
- ✓ B.The workstation is running Windows 10 Home edition
- C.The network cable is unplugged
- D.The domain controller is offline
Why B: Windows 10 Home edition does not include the Active Directory domain join feature. This is a deliberate licensing limitation; only Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions support joining a domain. When the technician opens System Properties, the 'Domain' radio button is simply absent or grayed out because the required client-side components (e.g., Netlogon service, domain join APIs) are not present in the Home SKU.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1102 exam.