However, Administrators can run into An account with the same name exists in the Active Directory error when adding a pre-created computer to a domain or reusing an existing account. Likewise, we have a detailed guide on fixing Active Directory Users and Computers missing on Windows 11.

Can I create two users with the same name in the Active Directory?

Encountering an error message: An account with the same name exists in Active Directory. Re-using the account was blocked by security policy when reusing an existing account or a pre-created computer to a domain-prone user to ask if they can create two users with the same name in the Active Directory. However, Administrators can reuse an existing computer account in the Active Directory if it has the active roles proxy account as the computer creator. It allows you to create another user with an existing computer account on a Domain. Though it may result in errors when done appropriately, it is possible. Furthermore, a recent update KB5020276 Microsoft modifies the process for joining the domain, stipulating that it undergoes an additional security check before reusing the existing computer accounts. The following are the permitted scenarios for computer account reuse:

Creating another user by reusing a computer account will only be permitted if the user attempting the reuse operation is the creator of the existing account. Creating another user by reusing a computer account will only be permitted if a member of Domain Administrators created the account.

In short, the existing account must fit the above criteria before it can be reused on the Domain.

What can I do if an account with the same name exists in the Active Directory?

Go through the following before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:

Turn off background apps on your computer. Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

If the problem continues to manifest itself, proceed with the following solutions.

1. Uninstall the KB5020276 Windows Update

Uninstalling the KB5020276 Microsoft update will remove the additional security checks on the domain join process. It permits reuse attempts without bothering about meeting the criteria. SPONSORED You can check our guide on uninstalling an update on Windows 11 if you can’t get through the steps above.

2. Remove the existing account and rejoin the Domain

The above steps will help remove the existing account from the Domain if it is stale and join the domain as a new account. It can resolve the An account with the same name exists in Active Directory error. Read our guide on what to do if the join domain option is missing on Windows 11.

3. Run System Restore

System Restore backdates your PC to the last time it functioned when adding an account. Check how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working and if you have any issues running it. If you want to try another method, you can opt for an automated alternative like Restoro to scan your PC for corrupt or missing files and locate healthy replacements automatically from its vault. ⇒ Get Restoro We hope that our solutions helped you deal with An account with the same name that exists in the Active Directory issue, and now everything is back to normal. Conclusively, read our guide on enabling Active Directory users and computers in Windows 11. Also, our readers can check how to install Active Directory on Windows Server. If you have any other questions or know other solutions to this problem, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

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