To change the domain a Windows 10 PC belongs to, open System Properties (press Windows + R and run sysdm.cpl), click Change on the Computer Name tab, select Domain, type the new domain name and click OK. Enter credentials for an account allowed to join computers to that domain, then restart. You need Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise or Education, local admin rights and a network connection to the new domain. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
sysdm.cpl > Computer Name > Change > Domain: enter the new name > OK > enter domain credentials > restart.
Steps to Change the Domain
- Sign in with a local administrator account and make sure you know its password, in case the domain change fails.
- Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
- On Computer Name, click Change.
- Under Member of, choose Domain and type the new domain name.
- Click OK and enter a domain account that can join computers.
- Click OK on the welcome message and restart the PC.
Related Changes
| Goal | How |
|---|---|
| Move to a different domain | Change > Domain > new name |
| Leave a domain | Change > Workgroup > restart |
| Rename the computer | Change > Computer name |
| Rename the domain itself | Done on the domain controller by IT, not on the PC |
Troubleshooting
- “An Active Directory Domain Controller could not be contacted”: The PC’s DNS must point to the domain’s DNS servers. Check with IT.
- No Domain option: Windows 10 Home can’t join domains.
- Can’t sign in afterwards: Use the local admin account, or the domain account in the form DOMAIN\username.
- Related guides: See joining a domain in Windows 10, joining a domain in Windows 11 and signing in with a local account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my files?
No, but your new domain account gets a new user profile. Copy files from the old profile if needed.
Do I need IT’s permission?
On work networks, yes. Joining or leaving a domain affects management and security policies.
Is the process the same on Windows 11?
Yes; sysdm.cpl works the same way.
Summary
- Open sysdm.cpl.
- Change > Domain > enter the new name.
- Sign in with domain credentials.
- Restart the PC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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