Template:Anchor 1. Introduction

Computers, that should be part of a Domain, have to join it. After this process they are members of the joined domain and able to access domain resources. During the join, an account for the machine will be created. This allows the computer to authenticate itself in the domain.

This documentation describes the join process as a Windows domain member to a Samba Active Directory.

Template:Anchor 2. System Requirements

Template:Anchor 2.1 Windows Version

To join a Domain, the Windows version requires the necessary capabilities. As per our environment the following types of Windows versions are available and able to join a Domain as a member:

Workstation editions *

Windows 10 Pro / Enterprise / Education

Windows 8.1 Pro / Enterprise

Server editions *

Windows Server 2012 / 2012R2

Windows Server 2008 / 2008R2

Template:Anchor 3. Permissions

To join a client to a domain, we require *

local Administrator permissions on the computer we want to join

knowledge of credentials of a Domain account, that is allowed to join machines to the domain.

Template:Anchor 4. DNS Setting

The client requies to have at least one DNS server configured, that is able to resolve names of the Domain it should join. In our environment all clients are obtaining the IP from DHCP server (if it is not then please set it to DHCP)so we do not required to change the DNS settings.

Template:Anchor 5. Joining A Windows Operating System To A Domain

Right-click to "This PC“ on desktop or in the start menu and choose "Properties“.

Click "Change settings“ in the "Computer name, domain and workgroup settings“ area. [[Image:|top]]

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In the "System properties“ window, click the "Change...“ button.

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Choose "Domain“ and enter the Domain name.

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Click "OK“

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You will be prompted for credentials that are allowed to join to the domain, type the credentials and click OK.

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If the join succeeded, you will be welcomed in the domain.

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Reboot to take changes effect.

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