How to Join a Windows Domain

KB ID 000085

Problem

For Windows 11 See: How to Join Windows 11 to a Domain

This process was done with Windows 10, but the procedure is the same going all the way back to Windows 2000.

Solution

Note: The main reason this procedure fails, is because the client that you are attempting to perform the join from cannot resolve the domain name of your domain! Make sure it has one of your domain servers listed in the properties of its network connection, (or at least a method of resolving the name).

Problems Joining a Domain

1. Press Windows Key +E > Right Click ‘This PC’ > Preoperties.

 

2. Change Settings.

 

3. Computer Name Tab > Change.

4. Enter the domain name > OK..

5. Enter domain credentials, Note: A domain user has the right to join machines to a domain.

6. You should be welcomed to the new domain > OK.

7. You will need to reboot the machine to complete the process. > OK > OK.

8. OK > Restart Now.

Join a Windows Domain with PowerShell

From an administrative PowerShell Window, use the following commands;

[box]

Add-Computer -DomainName Your-Domain-Name
Restart-Computer

[/box]

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

Windows: Join Azure AD (AAD)

How to Join Windows to a Domain

KB ID 0000661 

Problem

If you are struggling with the new Windows UI, then routine tasks like joining a domain can be hard to locate.

Solution

Before you start, I’m assuming there are no problems with your domain and the Windows 8 client can resolve the domain name with DNS.

1. Press Windows Key+X to bring up the advanced context menu > Control Panel > System and Security.

Technical Ninja Tip: You can launch the run command (Windows Key+R) and run the sysdm.cpl shortcut, then jump straight to step 3.

2. System.

3. In the ‘Computer name and workgroup settings’ section > Change Settings > Computer name tab > Change > Select domain and type in the domain name > OK.

4. Provide domain credentials that have the rights to join the domain > OK. (You can also change the computer name on this tab).

Note: A domain user has the right to join ten machines to a domain, but most people use an administrative account.

5. Providing Windows 8 can resolve the domain name, and the credentials you supplied are correct it should join the domain successfully > OK > OK > Reboot the machine.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

NA