How to Change Domain on a Windows Computer.

Changing domain is an integral part of Migrating one PC from one Domain (Example Domain A) to another domain (Example Domain B). A domain can be defined as a computer network that is controlled by a centralized AD (Active Directory). Primarily the AD would have DC's(Domain Controllers ) ,that would assist in the authentication of any devices (Computers, Printers) to join a domain.

In this Post, I will be going through the proper step on how to Join a Domain in the event :

1. The computer has already joined a domain .
2. The computer is in a work group.

Step one is to verify the connection.

To do so, first you will have to go to "My/This PC", and right click on it and enter the properties options.

Step 1 locate your "This PC" option

Step 2 Right click on the option and select properties.

Step 3 You should be able to see this window, select the change settings option which is situated on the right hand side of the Computer name, domain and workgroup settings. 

As shown in step 3, this computer is connected to a workgroup name "workgroup. Almost all computers by default should be connected to this workgroup, if it is not previously connected to a domain before this.

Step 4 Under System Properties enter the "change" option.

Step 5 You should be able to see a windows as such.

Note* the "Domain:" radio button will be grayed out if you do not set this computer to communicate with an existing AD or Domain Controller. 

Step 6 The following prompt will appear, for you to key in your AD credentials, if you are successfully authenticated then you have successfully joined a domain !

*Note, if your computer is already connected to an existing domain. It is a good practice to join a work group first before rejoining back into a new domain.

When joining a work group, you can insert any value as the work group name, even for their credentials you may enter anything for the username and password. Once this is done, you should be able to successfully join the work group.

This is because, by doing so.It will automatically delete any existing record of your AD details on the old domain before moving on to another domain. 

However, if you are encountering the same scenario as I am encountering on STEP 5, you may follow these steps which will allow you to key in your domain address in the Domain options.

First go to the Under the Control Panel Setting.

Under the "Network and Internet" settings, Click on the "View network status and tasks" 

Click on the Change Adapter Settings

Identify what your PC is connected with. So that the up coming settings can be applied accordingly.

Right click on the adapter and click on properties.

Look for the IPV4 options and enter its properties.

You would need to identify the IP address of your AD Server and input it under the DNS Settings, as the preferred DNS Server.

By doing so, any attempt to be authenticated on the AD Server will be redirected to the specified IP address, which was included under the DNS address space in the IPV4 Settings. If you have any other DNS Servers, be sure to set the AD Server IP as the preferred DNS Server, followed by the DNS Servers.