Adding a computer to a domain

Adding a computer to a domain allows it to be managed by Active Directory and enables users to log on to the domain from that computer. Here’s how to add a computer to a domain in Windows Server 2022:

Prerequisites

1. Domain Controller: Ensure you have a functioning domain controller with Active Directory installed and configured.
2. Domain User Account: You need a domain user account with permissions to add computers to the domain.
3. Network Connectivity: The computer must be able to communicate with the domain controller over the network.

Steps to Add a Computer to the Domain

1. Prepare the Computer:
   • Ensure the computer you want to add to the domain is connected to the network and can reach the domain controller.
   • Log in to the computer with an administrator account.
2. Open System Properties:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
3. Change Computer Name/Domain:
   • In the System Properties window, go to the Computer Name tab.
   • Click on the Change button.
4. Join the Domain:
   • In the Computer Name/Domain Changes window, select the Domain option.
   • Enter the domain name you want to join (e.g., example.com).
   • Click OK.
5. Provide Domain Credentials:
   • A prompt will appear asking for credentials. Enter the username and password of a domain account with permissions to add computers to the domain.
   • Click OK.
6. Restart the Computer:
   • After the computer is successfully added to the domain, a welcome message will appear.
   • Click OK and then Close.
   • You will be prompted to restart the computer. Click Restart Now to restart immediately or Restart Later if you need to save your work first.

Post-Domain Join Steps

1. Verify Domain Join:
   • After the computer restarts, log in with a domain user account.
   • Open System Properties again (Win + R, sysdm.cpl) and verify that the Computer Name/Domain section shows the domain name.
2. Move Computer to an Appropriate OU (Optional):
   • Open Active Directory Users and Computers on the domain controller.
   • Navigate to the Computers container or the OU where the computer was added.
   • If needed, move the computer object to a more appropriate OU by right-clicking the computer object, selecting Move, and choosing the desired OU.
3. Apply Group Policies:
   • Ensure that the computer receives the appropriate Group Policies by running gpupdate /force in an elevated Command Prompt on the client computer.
   • Verify that the policies are applied correctly by running gpresult /r.

Example: Adding a Windows 10 PC to the Domain

1. Prepare the Computer:
   • Connect the Windows 10 PC to the network.
   • Log in with an administrator account.
2. Open System Properties:
   • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
3. Change Computer Name/Domain:
   • Go to the Computer Name tab.
   • Click Change.
4. Join the Domain:
   • Select the Domain option.
   • Enter the domain name (e.g., example.com).
   • Click OK.
5. Provide Domain Credentials:
   • Enter the domain user account credentials.
   • Click OK.
6. Restart the Computer:
   • Click OK to the welcome message.
   • Click Close and then Restart Now.

Summary

By following these steps, you can successfully add a computer to a domain. This allows the computer to be managed through Active Directory and enables users to log on to the domain from that computer.