How to move a computer account in Active Directory?

Read on to how know to move a computer in Active Directory (AD) using PowerShell and how you can get it done easily with ADManager Plus.

Windows PowerShell

Steps to move a computer account in AD using powershell :

  • Identify the domain in which the computer to be moved is located.
  • Create and compile the script for moving an AD computer from one OU to another. Execute the script in PowerShell.
  • Sample script for moving computer account in AD
  •  Copied
    C:\PS>Move-ADObject "8d0bcc44-c826-4dd8-af5c-2c69960fbd47" -TargetPath "OU=Managed,DC=Example,DC=Com"
    Click to copy entire script
  • To move AD computers in bulk, you will have to write another script.

ADManager Plus

How to move a computer account in Active Directory :

  • Navigate to Management > Computer Management > Move Modification.
  • Select the Computers and the OU to which you want the computers to be moved to.You can even import this list from a CSV file. Then click Apply.

Screenshot

Move a Computer Account in Active Directory using ADManager Plus

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Although moving AD computers from one OU to another with native tools like PowerShell looks simple, it comes with a few limitations like:

  • PowerShell script can be run only from the computers which have the Active Directory Domain Services role installed in them.
  • Need for a new script, in case multiple AD computers need to be moved.
  • The syntax, parameters and iterations need to be correct. A typo or incorrect syntax might be difficult to spot and rectify especially when the script is a long one.
  • You can move the AD computer only if you know the Distinguished name or the GUID .
  • Cannot delegate the modification of AD accounts or other AD management tasks to help desk technicians.

ADManager Plus lets you perform the same with a few clicks from its web based GUI console. It also has options for moving multiple computers simultaneously with templates or by importing a CSV file.

Manage Active Directory computers in bulk with ADManager Plus.

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