To join a Windows 10 PC to a domain, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect, and then select Join this device to a local Active Directory domain. Enter the domain name, sign in with an account that’s allowed to join computers, and restart.
Applies to: Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 25, 2026.
Before you start:
- Windows 10 Home can’t join a domain. To check your edition, see how to check your Windows 10 version.
- You need to be an administrator on the PC, plus a domain account with permission to join computers. Ask your IT admin if you’re not sure.
- The PC must be on the organization’s network (or VPN) and able to reach the domain.
Join a domain in Settings
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
- Select Connect.
- Select Join this device to a local Active Directory domain.
- Enter the domain name, such as
contoso.local, and select Next. - Enter the domain account name and password, and select OK.
- Skip or choose the account type if asked, then select Restart now.
Join a domain in System Properties
- Press Windows logo key + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. - On the Computer Name tab, select Change.
- Under Member of, select Domain and type the domain name.
- Select OK, and enter the domain account name and password.
- When you see Welcome to the domain, select OK and restart the PC.
You can also rename the PC in the same box before joining. To check its current name, see how to find your computer name in Windows 10.
Join a domain with PowerShell
Right-click Start, select Windows PowerShell (Admin), and run this command with your own domain name:
Add-Computer -DomainName contoso.local -Restart
Enter the domain account name and password when asked. The PC restarts when it’s done.
Sign in with your domain account
On the sign-in screen, select Other user and enter your domain user name as DOMAIN\username, such as CONTOSO\alex, or as [email protected].
If the PC won’t join the domain
- “An Active Directory Domain Controller for the domain could not be contacted.” This is almost always DNS. The PC must use the organization’s DNS servers, not your router or a public DNS. Run nslookup followed by the domain name. If it doesn’t return an address, ask your IT admin which DNS server to use.
- “The account already exists.” The domain already has a computer with this name. Rename the PC, or ask your IT admin to reset or remove the old computer account.
- Access denied, or you’ve reached the limit. By default, a regular domain user can join only 10 computers. Use an account with permission to join computers, or ask your IT admin.
- Sign-in fails right after joining. Check that the PC’s date, time, and time zone are correct. Domain sign-in fails if the clock is more than five minutes off from the domain controller.
Frequently asked questions
How do I leave a domain?
In Access work or school, select the domain connection and then Disconnect. Or in System Properties, select Workgroup under Member of. Make sure you know a local administrator password first, and then restart.
Why can’t I find the domain?
Check that the PC is connected to the organization’s network and uses its DNS servers. Also check the domain name with your IT admin.
Can I join a domain with Windows 10 Home?
No. Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro first. Your files and apps stay in place during the upgrade.
What’s the difference between a domain and Azure AD?
A domain uses servers that your organization runs, usually on its own network. Azure Active Directory, now called Microsoft Entra ID, is Microsoft’s cloud version. To join it, select Join this device to Azure Active Directory on the same Connect screen.
How do I sign in with a local account after joining?
On the sign-in screen, select Other user and type .\ before the user name, such as .\Sam. The dot tells Windows to use an account on this PC instead of the domain.
Microsoft’s guide is Join a computer to a domain. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: sign in to another domain on Windows 10.
Related: add a Windows 11 computer to a domain.
Related: how to install Active Directory Users and Computers on Windows 10.
Related: how to install RSAT on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.