How to Add a Windows PC to a Domain (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you need to add your Windows computer to a domain for work or school, the process is straightforward. Important: You can only join a domain if you are using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. Windows Home editions (Windows 10/11 Home) cannot join an Active Directory domain.
Follow the steps below to add your PC to a domain.
Step 1: Open System Settings
Right-click the Start menu
Select System
Step 2: Open Computer Name Settings
In the System window, locate Computer name, domain, and workgroup
Click Change settings
This will open the System Properties window.
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 does not support domain joining
You must be using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education
Step 5: Enter the Domain Name
Type the domain name you want to join (for example: company.local)
Click OK
If you’re unsure about the domain name, contact your network administrator.
Step 6: Enter Domain Credentials
When prompted, enter a domain username and password
This must be an account with permission to join computers to the domain
Click OK to continue
Step 7: Confirm and Restart
You may see a Welcome to the domain message
Click OK to acknowledge
Click Close to exit System Properties
When prompted, click Restart Now
Step 8: Log in to the Domain
After restart, at the login screen, select Other user
Log in using your domain credentials
Example: DOMAIN\username
Your PC is now successfully joined to the domain
