Windows Server: How to Properly Rename an Active Directory domain controller

Summary: This article describes the process of renaming an Active Directory (AD) domain controller (DC).

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Instructions

Caution: Renaming a DC is not as simple as changing the server's name in the System Properties window. This appears to work: the operation completes without any errors, and the server reboots. However, attempting to rename a DC in this way can result in authentication issues, including an inability to log in to the domain from the DC. It may not be possible to recover from these issues without restoring the DC from a backup or reinstalling the operating system.

Renaming a DC is not often necessary. If it must be done, the recommended procedure is to demote the DC, rename it, and re-promote it. If this is not feasible, the following steps provide an alternative method that has been performed in Windows Server 2019 with no adverse effects. In the commands shown, <oldname> represents the old fully-qualified domain name (FQDN) of the DC, and <newname> represents its new FQDN.

Note: Before beginning this procedure, ensure that the DC is fully backed up. A usable backup of a DC must include its system state. Also verify that AD and SYSVOL replication are functional throughout the domain.
  1. At an elevated command prompt, type netdom computername <oldname> /add:<newname>. The output should indicate that the new name was successfully added as an alternate name for the DC.
    Output of the netdom computername oldname /add:newname command
  2. To confirm that the new name was added, type netdom computername <oldname> /enumerate. Both names should be listed in the output.
    Output of the netdom computername oldname /enumerate command
  3. Type netdom computername <oldname> /makeprimary:<newname> to set the new FQDN as the DC's primary name. The output should indicate that this was successful. It indicates if a reboot is necessary.
    Output of the netdom computername oldname /makeprimary:newname command
  4. Reboot the DC.
  5. Launch an elevated command prompt and type netdom computername <newname> /remove:<oldname> to remove the old FQDN from the DC's list of names.
    Output of the netdom computername newname /remove:oldname command
  6. Confirm that the old name has been removed using netdom computername <newname> /enumerate command. The new FQDN should be the only name listed in the output. The DC has now been renamed.
    Output of the netdom computername newname /enumerate command


See this video for a demonstration of the procedure:

How to Rename an Active Directory domain controller.

Duration: 00:04:56 (hh:mm:ss)
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the CC icon on this video player.

Affected Products

Microsoft Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows 2012 Server, Microsoft Windows 2012 Server R2
Article Properties
Article Number: 000226230
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 18 Dec 2024
Version:  5
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