Since Windows 11 is a client operating system, it does not run Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) itself—that role belongs to Windows Server. However, Windows 11 is the primary endpoint for managing modern enterprise environments.

Windows 11 and Active Directory: A Comprehensive Guide Active Directory (AD) remains the backbone of enterprise identity management, even as modern environments shift toward cloud-based solutions. For Windows 11, integration with Active Directory allows organizations to manage user access, enforce security policies via Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and provide seamless single sign-on experiences.

There are no major structural changes to Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in Windows 11, but there are specific policies worth noting: