Should a Windows Server Running StarWind VSAN Be Joined to a Domain?

Introduction

This article explains whether a Windows Server hosting StarWind VSAN should be joined to an Active Directory domain. While domain-joined cluster configurations are commonly used, modern Windows Server versions also support creating failover clusters in workgroup environments, with certain limitations and additional configuration considerations.

Explanation

An Active Directory domain provides centralized management of users, computers, and other security principals within a network: Tutorial Overview ADSI with Visual Basic – Win32 apps

StarWind VSAN does not require domain membership by design ,however, in traditional hyper-converged deployments based on Hyper-V, Windows Servers are typically joined to a domain to simplify the creation and management of a failover cluster.

It is also possible to create and operate a failover cluster without domain membership (workgroup cluster). This functionality is supported in modern Windows Server versions, including Windows Server 2025, but requires additional configuration steps and may involve certain limitations compared to domain-based clusters.

The domain controller can be deployed on either a physical or a virtual machine. Refer to the relevant KB article Advice on how to place a domain controller in case of StarWind Virtual SAN usage – StarWind Knowledge Base for best practices on domain controller placement in StarWind-based deployments.

Conclusion

Joining a Windows Server hosting StarWind to an Active Directory domain is optional and should be based on operational requirements. Domain membership simplifies administration, authentication, and cluster management, making it the preferred approach for most environments. At the same time, workgroup-based failover clusters are fully supported in modern Windows Server versions and can be used when reducing external dependencies is a priority.