Fix Domain Trust Relationship in PowerShell

Reset computer account password to fix "trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed" without rejoining.

Check Current Trust Status

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Verbose

Returns False if trust is broken.

Reset the Secure Channel (Local Admin)

Log in with a local admin account, then run:

Reset-ComputerMachinePassword -Server "YourDCName" -Credential (Get-Credential)

Enter domain admin credentials when prompted. Replace YourDCName with your domain controller hostname.

Alternative: Repair Without DC Name

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Repair -Credential (Get-Credential)

Auto-locates a DC and repairs the channel in one command.

Force Reset via netdom (Legacy)

netdom resetpwd /server:YourDCName /userd:DOMAIN\Admin /passwordd:*

Prompts for password. Works on older systems without full PowerShell AD module.

Verify

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Verbose

Expected output: True

Reboot recommended but not always required.

Related Reading

• More Windows guides
• IT Support Services

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