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PowerShell Set-ADComputer: Modify AD Computer Objects

• 1 min read
powershell active-directory set-adcomputer computer-management tutorial

PowerShell Set-ADComputer: Complete Guide to Modifying AD Computers

Overview

The Set-ADComputer cmdlet modifies properties of computer objects in Active Directory. Used for updating descriptions, locations, and other computer attributes.

Common Tasks:

  • Update computer descriptions
  • Change computer location
  • Enable/disable computers
  • Modify computer properties
  • Bulk update multiple computers

Prerequisites:

  • PowerShell 5.1 or later
  • Active Directory PowerShell module
  • Administrator or delegated permissions

Syntax

Set-ADComputer [-Identity] <ADComputer> [-Description <string>] [-Location <string>] [-Enabled <bool>]
```powershell

---

## Examples

### Example 1: Update Description

```powershell
Set-ADComputer -Identity "WS-NYC-001" -Description "Updated: Assigned to John Smith"
```powershell

### Example 2: Change Location

```powershell
Set-ADComputer -Identity "WS-NYC-001" -Location "New York Office - 3rd Floor"
```powershell

### Example 3: Enable Computer

```powershell
Set-ADComputer -Identity "WS-NYC-001" -Enabled $true
```powershell

### Example 4: Disable Computer

```powershell
Set-ADComputer -Identity "WS-NYC-001" -Enabled $false
```powershell

### Example 5: Bulk Update Description

```powershell
Get-ADComputer -Filter "location -eq 'Old Location'" |
Set-ADComputer -Location "New Location"
```powershell

### Example 6: Update with User Assignment

```powershell
$computer = Get-ADComputer "WS-NYC-001"
$user = Get-ADUser "jsmith"

Set-ADComputer -Identity $computer `
    -Description "Assigned to: $($user.Name) ($($user.SamAccountName))"
```powershell

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## Best Practices

✅ **Update descriptions** - Track computer purpose and assignment
✅ **Set locations** - Organize by physical location
✅ **Log changes** - Record modifications
✅ **Verify changes** - Confirm updates applied

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## Related Commands

- **[Get-ADComputer](/powershell-get-adcomputer)** - Query computers
- **[New-ADComputer](/powershell-new-adcomputer)** - Create computers
- **[Remove-ADComputer](/powershell-remove-adcomputer)** - Delete computers

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## See Also

- **[Get-ADComputer](/powershell-get-adcomputer)** - Query computers
- **[Active Directory Computer Management](/active-directory-computer-management)** - Computer guide

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**Last Updated:** February 6, 2026
**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Reading Time:** 8 minutes