How to Change Domain Controller on Windows

Quick Tips

• To find the current domain controller, launch Command Prompt > type nltest /dsgetdc:domainname and hit Enter.
• To switch Domain controller, open Command Prompt > type nltest /Server:ClientComputerName/SC_RESET:DomainName\DomainControllerName and hit Enter.

Things to Know Before Switch Domain Controller on Windows

• Back up your Active Directory to ensure you can recover if something goes wrong during the migration process.
• The new domain controller should be configured with the proper roles and features. It should also run a supported version of Windows Server.
• Plan for a scheduled downtime during the transition. Users may experience temporary disruptions in network services during the migration. Check the event logs frequently, and use diagnostic tools promptly.
• Review and update any Group Policies you have in place to reflect the new domain controller. Ensure all client computers are aware of the new domain controller.

Also Read: How to find the IP address of a domain using NSLookup command in Windows

How to Find Current Domain Controller

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Once in the Command Prompt, type the below command and hit Enter.

nltest /dsgetdc:domainname

That’s it. The output will display the current domain controller, which you can use to switch on your client’s computer. If you want to know how to switch domain controller, continue reading. 

How to Switch Domain Controller Command 

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Once in the Command Prompt, type the below command and hit Enter.

nltest /Server:ClientComputerName/SC_RESET:DomainName\DomainControllerName

That’s all there is to it. You have successfully switched the domain controller. Remember that the switch is not permanent, and restarting might result in a new domain controller being selected.

For whatever reason, if you want to set the domain controller via registry, continue reading. 

How to Set Domain Controller via Registry 

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type Registry Editor, and click Run as administrator. 

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the mentioned address.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters

Note: You can manually navigate to the section too. 

Step 3: Under the Parameters folder, right-click, select New, and choose String Value.

Step 4: Type SiteName in the name field and hit Enter.

Step 5: In the Edit String pop-up, enter the domain controller name to which you want your system to connect. Example- DC1.mydomain.com

There you go. The domain controller has been set via Windows Registry. If you cannot set the domain controller via the Registry, read on to find out how to force clients to use a specific domain controller.

Also Read: How to safely clean Registry on Windows 10 and 11

How to Force Client to Use Specific Domain Controller

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type Registry Editor, and click Run as administrator.

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the mentioned address and hit Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters

Note: You can manually navigate to the section too. 

Step 3: Under the Parameters folder, right-click, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. 

Step 4: Type NodeType in the name field.

Step 5: Double-click the new value, type 4 in the Value Data field, and press OK. 

Note: The value 4 in the Value Data field sets the network to broadcast before contacting name servers for resolution. If no WINS servers are configured (H-node/queries name resolution first, then broadcasts), the value 8 applies.

Step 6: Again, right-click, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. 

Step 7: Type EnableLMHOSTS in the name field.

Step 8: Double-click the new value, type 1 in the Value Data field, and press OK. 

Finally, reboot the system to implement the changes. And that’s it! The new domain controller will be set when the system boots up. In case of any difficulties, consult experienced IT professionals for better guidance.

If you have any queries, check out the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Switching Domain Controller On Windows

The next time you need to switch domain controllers on Windows, refer to this guide to ensure a smooth transition that meets your network’s specific needs.