How to Unjoin a Client From a Domain

In a client and server network, servers manage entire networks including the client computers in a domain. A client must be joined in a domain for a server to be able to manage it. When a computer is retired or replaced, removing it from the domain is done on the computer itself. A user with administrator privileges in the computer can remove the computer from the domain and specify it as a workgroup computer instead. Workgroup computers, as opposed to client computers, do not connect to a domain server.

Instructions

1. Click "Start." This is the circular button with the Windows logo at the bottom of the computer screen, lower left, in most cases.

2. Right-click the "Computer" icon and click "Properties."

3. Click "Change Settings" on the right side of the "Properties" window under "Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup Settings." This opens the "System Properties" window.

4. Click the "Change" button.

5. Select the "Workgroup" radio button under "Member of" and type "Workgroup" in the box.

6. Click "OK." This will prompt for a username and password that has administrator privileges. Enter a username and password and wait for a pop-up dialog box that says you have successfully joined the computer in the Workgroup "Workgroup."

7. Restart the computer.

References

• Microsoft: Connect Your Computer To A Domain
• Microsoft: How Is A Network At Home Different From One At Work?
• Microsoft: Join Or Create A Workgroup