Joining a computer to the domain

You can use this recipe to join a Windows-based computer to an Active Directory domain.

There are three ways to accomplish this:

• Attach a Windows-based device to a previously-created computer object.
• Join a Windows-based device to a domain using the GUI.
• Join a Windows-based device to a domain using Windows PowerShell.

Getting ready

In order to communicate with domain controllers, the device needs to be on the same logical networks as the domain controllers. You might also be able to join a device through a virtual private network (VPN) connection—when the required traffic is allowed through.

To find the domain controllers for the Active Directory domain, the device needs to be able...