PowerShell Genie

Get-ADComputer

Use Get-ADComputer to retrieve computer accounts from Active Directory.

Command 2 min read Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7

Documentation: Microsoft Learn — Get-ADComputer

Written and tested by Dhrub Bharali · Updated

Syntax

1PS> Get-ADComputer [-Identity] <ADComputer> [-Filter <String>] [-Properties <String[]>] [-SearchBase <String>] [-Server <String>] [<CommonParameters>]
See the command anatomy

Read the command and its supplied arguments. This example requires real PowerShell or its module; this diagram does not execute it.

Get-ADComputer [-Identity] <ADComputer> [-Filter <String>] [-Properties <String[]>] [-SearchBase <String>] [-Server <String>] [<CommonParameters>]
  1. Stage 1Get-ADComputer-Identity -Filter -Properties -SearchBase -Server

    Try it

    Windows PowerShell

    PowerShell example · browser support is limited.

    Execution scope: The full example below requires PowerShell outside this browser. You can edit this runner to use the supported practice commands; unsupported syntax returns an explanation.

    Interactive simulation · fictional data

    Examples

    Get-ADComputer -Filter *

    1PS> Get-ADComputer -Filter * -Properties OperatingSystem | Group-Object OperatingSystem -NoElement
    Show reference output

    Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing

    Count  Name
-----  ----
2      SampleA
1      SampleB

    Filter by LastLogonDate

    1PS> Get-ADComputer -Filter * -Properties LastLogonDate | Where-Object { $_.LastLogonDate -lt (Get-Date).AddDays(-180) }
    Show reference output

    Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing

    Name   OperatingSystem               IPv4Address
-----  ----------------------------  -----------
SRV01  Windows Server 2022 Standard  10.20.30.11
SRV02  Windows Server 2022 Standard  10.20.30.12

    Get-ADComputer -Identity SRV01

    1PS> Get-ADComputer -Identity SRV01 -Properties IPv4Address | Select-Object Name, DNSHostName, IPv4Address
    Show reference output

    Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing

    Name   DNSHostName  IPv4Address
-----  -----------  -----------
SRV01               10.20.30.11
SRV02               10.20.30.12

    Parameters

    Parameter definitions:

    • -Identity
    • -Filter
    • -Properties
    • -SearchBase
    • -Server

    Get-ADComputer on Microsoft Learn

    Practical use and troubleshooting

    Practical scenario: Use Get-ADComputer when you need to retrieve computer accounts from Active Directory. Review syntax and sample output, then try an example in the browser lab. Start with one identified target and inspect the returned values before extending the operation to a list. Keep the identity in your report so you can trace each result back to the object or path that produced it.

    Common error and fix: An identity-not-found error may mean the name belongs to a user rather than a computer. Verify object class and search base and use an unambiguous distinguished name when appropriate. In an unattended script, capture this failure with its original error record and record which target failed. An empty result and an unsuccessful query must remain distinguishable in the final report.

    See also: Get-ADUser. Get-ADUser reads user accounts; Get-ADComputer reads computer accounts. Select the object class that matches the task rather than treating every directory identity as a user. Read the linked command before substituting it; similar names do not imply identical inputs or output.

    Get-ADComputer reference on Microsoft Learn

    Put this command to work

    Read computer accounts

    Import ActiveDirectory first. Return all fictional computer-account records.

    Review the lesson

    Recap

    Get-ADComputer Use Get-ADComputer to retrieve computer accounts from Active Directory.

    Next: New-ADComputer
    Genie guideGet-ADComputer

    Use Get-ADComputer to retrieve computer accounts from Active Directory. The console below is pre-loaded — run it, then change a value and run it again.

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