How to Join a Computer to a Domain: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Join a Computer to a Domain through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

Open your computer's Control Panel. You can change your computer's system settings in the Control Panel.
- Click the magnifying glass icon on the bottom-left corner of your desktop.
- Type and search "Control Panel".
- Click the top result.
Click System and Security in Control Panel. This option looks like a blue shield
Click System on the System and Security options. This will open your System information and details on a new page.
Click Advanced system settings on the left panel. You can find this option at the bottom of the left navigation menu on the System page. It will open your System Properties in a new pop-up window.
Click the Computer Name tab at the top of System Properties. You can find this button in the upper-left corner of the System Properties pop-up.
Click the Change button. You will find this button in the lower-right corner of the System Properties window. This will open a new pop-up window titled "Computer Name/Domain Changes."
Select the Domain option at the bottom. You will find this option below the "Member of" heading at the bottom of the pop-up window.
Type the domain address into the text field below the Domain option. Click the text field here, and enter the server domain you may need to join.
Click the OK button. This will save the domain address.
- If you're prompted to verify your account, enter your domain's admin username and password, and click OK .
Click OK in the System Properties window. This will save and apply all the changes to your user account.
Restart your computer. Your computer will automatically connect to the specified domain after you restart.

Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

Open your Mac's System Preferences. The System Preferences icon looks like a gray gear icon. You can find it in your Applications folder.
Click Users & Groups in the System Preferences window. This option looks like two figurehead icons in the lower-left corner of the menu.
Click the lock icon on the bottom-left. You'll have to unlock the padlock icon here to make changes in your system settings.
Confirm your account password. Enter your password into the Password field, and click Unlock .
Click Login Options at the bottom. This option is listed next to a tiny house icon at the bottom of the user list on the left-hand side of the window.
Click the Join button next to Network Account Server. You'll find this button at the bottom of the Login Options menu.
Enter the domain address into the Server field. Click the text field at the top of the Join pop-up, and type the domain you may need to join here.
Fill out the domain settings below the Server address. You will have to enter an ID for your own computer into the Client Computer ID field, and the domain's admin username and password below it.
Click OK in the Join window. This will confirm the domain information, and connect your user account to the specified server.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Join a Computer to a Domain?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.