Add workstations to domain
Verified with Windows Security Options 25H2 — updated on July 25, 2026
Security policy
This is a Security Options policy (Windows Settings > Security Settings), applied by the security engine — not an Administrative Template (ADMX). In GPMC/gpedit it is configured under Local Policies > Security Options.
Path in the GPO console
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment Description
This security setting determines which groups or users can add workstations to a domain. This security setting is valid only on domain controllers. By default, any authenticated user has this right and can create up to 10 computer accounts in the domain. Adding a computer account to the domain allows the computer to participate in Active Directory-based networking. For example, adding a workstation to a domain enables that workstation to recognize accounts and groups that exist in Active Directory. Default: Authenticated Users on domain controllers. Note: Users who have the Create Computer Objects permission on the Active Directory computers container can also create computer accounts in the domain. The distinction is that users with permissions on the container are not restricted to the creation of only 10 computer accounts. In addition, computer accounts that are created by means of Add workstations to domain have Domain Administrators as the owner of the computer
Local security policy
SeMachineAccountPrivilege This setting has no registry key. It is stored in the local security database (LSA) and is configured through the Group Policy console or secpol.msc.