How to Properly Rename an Active Directory Domain Controller

  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 will also indicate that 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 by typing netdom computername <newname> /enumerate. 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
  • dc, rename dc, rename domain controller, domain controller
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