Encountering the “Trust Relationship Broken” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your computer for work or personal tasks. This issue typically happens when your computer loses its secure connection with the domain controller. It means Windows no longer trusts the domain your PC is joined to.
Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills. In this guide, we will walk you through simple, clear steps to solve the trust relationship error.
You don’t need to be an IT expert to follow these instructions. Each step is explained in basic terms so you can get your system back to normal quickly.
Let’s start by understanding some quick checks before diving into the solutions.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Ensure Network Connectivity: Your PC must be connected to the network where the domain controller is accessible. Without network access, trust validation cannot happen.
- Have Domain Admin Credentials Ready: Some fixes require you to log in or authenticate with domain administrator rights.
- Confirm the PC’s Date and Time: Incorrect system time can cause trust issues because secure connections rely on synchronized clocks.
- Backup Important Data: Though the steps below are safe, it’s always a good idea to back up critical files before making changes to your system.
Step 1: Reboot Your Computer
Sometimes, the simplest fix is to restart your computer. This allows Windows to attempt reconnecting to the domain controller and refresh its trust relationship.
Why this matters: Temporary network glitches or minor system errors can break trust temporarily. Restarting clears these minor issues and often restores normal operation.
Step 2: Check and Correct Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time are common causes for trust relationship errors because domain authentication depends on time synchronization.
- Click on the clock at the bottom-right of your screen.
- Select Date and time settings.
- Make sure Set time automatically is turned on.
- If it’s off, toggle it on, or manually correct the date and time.
- Restart your PC after making changes.
Why this is important: Network security protocols rely on accurate timestamps to verify identities. An incorrect clock can make your PC appear out of sync with the domain controller.
Step 3: Rejoin the Domain Using a Local Administrator Account
If the error persists, the next step is to remove your PC from the domain and then join it back. This refreshes the trust relationship.
Important: You need local administrator rights on your PC to perform these steps.
- Log in to your PC using a local administrator account, not your domain account.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Access work or school.
- Select your domain connection and click Disconnect.
- Confirm and restart your computer.
- After restart, open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school again.
- Click Connect and enter your domain details to rejoin.
- Provide domain administrator credentials when prompted.
- Restart your PC once more to complete the process.
Why this helps: Removing and re-adding the PC to the domain resets the secure channel that Windows uses to verify trust with the domain controller.
Step 4: Use PowerShell to Reset the Trust Relationship
If you prefer a command-line method or cannot easily rejoin the domain via settings, PowerShell can help reset the trust relationship.
- Log in with a local administrator account.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Reset-ComputerMachinePassword -Server <DomainControllerName> -Credential (Get-Credential)Replace <DomainControllerName> with the name of your domain controller.
A prompt will appear asking for credentials. Enter your domain administrator username and password.
Why this is useful: This command resets the computer account password in the domain, which can fix trust errors without removing the PC from the domain.
Alternative Method: Using the Command Prompt
If PowerShell is unavailable, you can use the Command Prompt to reset the computer account password.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run the following command:
netdom resetpwd /s:<DomainControllerName> /ud:<DomainName><DomainAdminUser> /pd:*This command resets the secure channel password with the domain controller. You will be prompted for the domain admin password.
FAQs
What causes the trust relationship broken error?
This error usually happens because the computer’s account password in the domain doesn’t match the one stored on the domain controller. This can occur after restoring a system image, changing the computer name, or network issues.
Can I fix this error without domain admin rights?
Most solutions require domain administrator credentials because they involve resetting trust settings on the domain controller.
Will removing and rejoining the domain delete my files?
No, removing and rejoining the domain does not delete your personal files, but you might lose access to domain-specific resources until rejoined successfully.
What if I can’t log in with any account?
Try logging in with a local administrator account. If you don’t have one, you may need to contact your IT administrator for assistance.
Is this error common in Windows 11?
Yes, it can happen in any Windows version when the secure connection with the domain controller breaks.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still face the trust relationship error, here are some final options:
- Contact Your IT Support: If you are in a corporate environment, your IT department can reset the computer account or provide specific help.
- Use Microsoft’s Official Resources: Visit the Microsoft troubleshooting guide for detailed instructions.
- Consider System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring your system to a previous point might fix the issue.
- Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, reinstalling Windows will fix all system-related issues but should be done only after backing up your data.
Conclusion
The “Trust Relationship Broken” error in Windows 11 can disrupt your access to domain resources, but it is fixable with a few straightforward steps. Always start with basic checks like restarting your PC and verifying the date and time.
If those don’t help, rejoining the domain or resetting the trust relationship using PowerShell or Command Prompt usually resolves the problem. Remember, having the right credentials and network connectivity is essential for these fixes.
By following this guide, you can troubleshoot and solve this issue efficiently and get your Windows 11 machine back in sync with your domain.