Join an ESXi Host to a Directory Service Domain by Using the VMware Host Client

To use a directory service for your host, you must join the host to the directory service domain.

You can enter the domain name in one of two ways:

• name.tld (for example, domain.com): The account is created under the default container.
• name.tld/container/path (for example, domain.com/OU1/OU2): The account is created under a particular organizational unit (OU).

To use the vSphere Authentication Proxy service, see vSphere Security.

Procedure

1. Click Manage in the VMware Host Client inventory and click Security & Users.
2. Click Authentication and click Join domain.
3. Enter a domain name.

   Use the form name.tld or name.tld/container/path.

4. Enter the user name and password of a directory service user account that has permissions to join the host to the domain and click Join domain.
5. (Optional) If you intend to use an authentication proxy, enter the proxy server IP address and click Join domain.