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Domain vs Workgroup accounts in Windows 10

Introduction

Computers have been categorized by a variety of user accounts for years, with Windows systems being no exception. Having different types of accounts makes computer management easier for administrators and basic computer users because it is unlikely that all computers with an organization should have the same access and privilege rights. 

Likewise, not all organizations are the same in terms of size, scope and purpose. A “one-size-fits-all” approach may work for baseball caps, but not for user account needs. 

This article will detail the two most popular user accounts in Windows 10, domain and workgroup accounts. We will explore what domain accounts are, what workgroup accounts are and when you should choose each of these accounts.

What are domain accounts?

Domain accounts are likely the type of account you are thinking of when you think of those used in organizations and enterprise in general. In fact, domain accounts were designed for the purpose of managing networks and resources on workplace networks. This type of account is the most tightly controlled of all Windows 10 accounts and is managed by a network administrator.

Characteristics of domain accounts in Windows 10

This type of account has been around for years in earlier versions of Windows, and although some slight changes have been made in Windows 10, the basics of the domain account remain the same. Domain accounts are controlled by servers, also known as domain controllers (DC). Network admins use DCs to manage security and permissions for all computers in the domain. 

To be a domain account, an Active Directory account must be created for the domain account. Active Directory is hosted on a local server, normally one of the domain controllers. Windows 10 has added a new option for active directory — Azure Active Directory. With Azure (Read more...)

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Infosec Resources authored by Greg Belding. Read the original post at: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/infosecResources/~3/KNkSUgJx0Hg/