In this article, you will learn how to join a computer to the Domain. An Active Directory (AD) domain is basically the same as an internet domain. It “defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, and control” for a group of computers. Active Directory Domain names are controlled by the same set of rules and principles, that govern traditional Domain Name Systems (DNS). Please see Create New Users and Join Synology NAS to Active Directory, and how to fix “Auto Logon Error “Username and password specified is not valid”.

The domain-based network provides centralized administration for corporate networks from a centralized location and this enables users to access only the resources for which they have been granted access.

To have your device joined to the Domain, you must meet the following requirements as listed below

Domain Controller must be available
Only these Windows Edition are possible “Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Windows Education Edition”.

For how to set up a domain, see the following Active Directory: How to Setup a Domain Controller. Also for how to add a second DC, see the following How to add a second Domain Controller.

What to note before joining a device to a domain

A computer object must be created in the directory service (this is essential for the computer not to be placed in the default computer container).

Note: Even after joining the PC to the domain and the PC is placed in the default computer container, this can be moved to the desired container (OU) of your choice.

In order to join a PC to a domain, appropriate domain permission is required to be able to perform this.
To join a PC to the domain, the following information is required.
– The domain name.
– Appropriate domain privileges.

I will be demonstrating these two steps to launch the “System Properties”. Launch the run command and enter sysdm.cpl as shown below

sysdm.cpl

This will launch the system properties windows, for the steps below

Next, you will be asked for your credential

And required to have your device restarted in order to have the right settings applied. See this The following error occurred attempting to rename the computer Account already exists.

Also, this can be achieved via the Server Manager Dashboard below. See Post OS installation: Configure the properties of Windows Server for more details

I hope you found this blog post on how to join a computer to the Domain helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.