In this article, we’ll explain how to join a computer to a domain controller. This guide is applicable to Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022. The step-by-step instructions will be accompanied by screenshots for ease of following along.
A domain controller is a server responsible for authentication and access management within a corporate network. It enables centralized management of user accounts and resource access.
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Step 1: Opening Server Manager and Creating Users in Active Directory
1. In Server Manager, navigate to the AD DS (AD) section.
2. Right-click the server and select Active Directory Users and Computers.
3. In the Users section, right-click and select New > User.
4. Enter a name, e.g., User 1, and a logon name, also User 1.
5. Set a password for this user.
You can also check the User must change password at next logon box if you want the user to change their password upon first login, which is useful for corporate networks. In this example, we’ll skip this option and instead select User cannot change password and Password never expires.
6. Click Finish.
7. Similarly, create another user, e.g., User 2, and an administrative account, Admin1.
Step 2: Assigning Roles to Users
1. To make Admin1 a full administrator, add them to several groups. Open the properties of the Admin1 account.
2. Go to the Member Of tab and click Add.
3. Click Advanced.
4. Click Find Now.
5. Select the following groups and click OK:
– Administrators
– Domain Admins
– Enterprise Admins
– Schema Admins
6. Click OK > Apply > OK.
Step 3: Configuring the Computer to Join the Domain
1. The computer you want to join to the domain must be on the same network as the domain controller. Ensure the domain controller’s IP address is set as the DNS server. You can verify this by running “CMD” on the computer you wish to join.
2. Enter the command ipconfig /all and check that the Default Gateway, DHCP Server, and DNS Server match those provided by your Windows Server.
3. Right-click Start and search for System.
4. Select Advanced system settings.
5. In the Computer Name section, click Change.
6. Select Domain and enter your domain name.
7. To join the computer, enter credentials such as Admin1 or a user with sufficient permissions, e.g., User1.
8. After successfully joining the domain, restart the computer.
Step 4: Joining a Second Computer to the Domain
1. Repeat the process for a second computer, specifying the required domain settings.
2. If the second computer fails to join, verify the DNS server settings.
3. If the DNS server settings differ from the Windows Server, reset them by running ipconfig /renew in the command prompt, then restart the PC and attempt to join the second computer to the domain again.
Step 5: Logging in as a Domain User
1. After the computer restarts and is added to the domain, select Other user on the login screen.
2. Enter a domain username, such as User1, User2, or Admin1, and log in.
3. The computer is now part of the domain, which you can verify through system properties.
4. You can also check via the command line by running the whoami command.
You now know how to join a computer to a domain, create users in Active Directory, assign them necessary roles and permissions, and troubleshoot potential DNS server issues. These steps are applicable to Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and 2022.
