Adding a Windows 8 Computer to a Domain

What Is a Domain?

A domain is a logical area that is created when administrators install a network operating system, such as Windows server 2008, and promote it as a domain controller. When a network operating system is promoted as a domain controller, it enables centralized management for all the client computers in the network that have been added to the domain.

Considerations before Adding a Computer to Domain

• The client computer must have a unique hostname in the network assigned to it.
• The client computer must have a static IP address assigned to it.
• The client computer must be provided with correct DNS address.

How to Add a Computer to Domain?

To add a Windows 8 computer to domain, steps below must be followed:

1. Use the credentials of local administrator account to log on to Windows 8 computer, that is to be added to the domain.
2. Click Desktop tile from the Start screen to go to the desktop.
3. Once on the desktop screen, click File Explorer icon from the taskbar.
4. On the Libraries window, right-click Computer icon from the left pane.
5. From the context menu that appears, click Properties.
6. On the System window, click Change settings option under Computer name, domain, and work settings section from the right pane.
   

   Click Change Settings
7. On the System Properties box, ensure that Computer Name tab is selected.
8. Once the tab is selected, click Change button.
   

   Click Change
9. On the Computer Name/Domain Changes box, click to select Domain radio button under Member of section.
10. In the enabled field, specify the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the domain to which the computer is to be added.
    

    Specify Domain Name
11. On the Windows Security box, provide the name and password of the domain administrator or domain user account in the respective fields.
    

    Specify Domain Admin Credentials
12. Once done, click OK button.
13. On the displayed welcome message box, click OK.
14. Click OK on the next displayed box.
15. Back on System Properties box, click Close when done.
16. On Microsoft Windows box, click Restart Now button to restart the Windows 8 computer automatically in order to allow the changes to take effect.