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].
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.
Microsoft’s guide is Join a computer to a domain. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
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.