How to Add a Windows PC to a Domain

 

How to Add a Windows PC to a Domain (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you need to connect your Windows computer to a domain for work or school, the process is straightforward. Important: You can only join a domain using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. Windows Home editions, including Windows 10 Home and Windows 11 Home, cannot join an Active Directory domain.

Follow the steps below to add your PC to a domain.

Step 1: Open System Settings

1. Right-click the Start menu.

2. Select System.

Step 2: Open Computer Name Settings

1. In the System window, find Computer name, domain, and workgroup.

2. Click Change settings.

3. The System Properties window will open.

Step 3: Change Domain or Workgroup

In the System Properties window, click the Change… button.

Step 4: Select Domain

Under Member of, select Domain.

If the Domain option is grayed out, your Windows edition may not support domain joining.

Make sure you are using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education.

Step 5: Enter the Domain Name

Enter the domain name you want to join (for example, company.local).

Click OK.

If you are unsure about the domain name, contact your network administrator.

Step 6: Enter Domain Credentials

1. When prompted, enter your domain username and password.

2. Make sure the account has permission to join computers to the domain.

3. Click OK to continue.

Step 7: Confirm and Restart

1. You may see a “Welcome to the domain” message.

2. Click OK to acknowledge the message.

3. Click Close to exit System Properties.

4. When prompted, click Restart Now.

Step 8: Log In to the Domain

1. After restarting your computer, select Other user on the login screen.

2. Sign in using your domain credentials.

3. Enter your username in the format DOMAIN\username.

Your PC is now successfully joined to the domain.