Test-ComputerSecureChannel

• Reference

Tests and repairs the secure channel between the local computer and its domain.

In this article

Syntax

Test-ComputerSecureChannel
    [-Repair]
    [-Server <String>]
    [-Credential <PSCredential>]
    [-WhatIf]
    [-Confirm]
    [<CommonParameters>]

Description

The Test-ComputerSecureChannel cmdlet verifies that the channel between the local computer and its
domain is working correctly by checking the status of its trust relationships. If a connection
fails, you can use the Repair parameter to try to restore it.

Test-ComputerSecureChannel returns $True if the channel is working correctly and $False if it is
not. This result lets you use the cmdlet in conditional statements in functions and scripts. To get
more detailed test results, use the Verbose parameter.

This cmdlet works much like NetDom.exe. Both NetDom and Test-ComputerSecureChannel use the
NetLogon service to perform the actions.

Examples

Example 1: Test a channel between the local computer and its domain

Test-ComputerSecureChannel

This command tests the channel between the local computer and the domain to which it is joined.

Example 2: Test a channel between the local computer and a domain controller

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Server "DCName.fabrikam.com"
True

This command specifies a preferred domain controller for the test.

Example 3: Reset the channel between the local computer and its domain

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Repair

This command resets the channel between the local computer and its domain.

Example 4: Display detailed information about the test

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Verbose

VERBOSE: Performing operation "Test-ComputerSecureChannel" on Target "SERVER01".
True
VERBOSE: "The secure channel between 'SERVER01' and 'net.fabrikam.com' is alive and working correctly."

This command uses the Verbose common parameter to request detailed messages about the operation.
For more information about Verbose, see about_CommonParameters.

Example 5: Test a connection before you run a script

if (!(Test-ComputerSecureChannel)) {
    Write-Host "Connection failed. Reconnect and retry."
}
else {
    &(.\Get-Servers.ps1)
}

This example shows how to use Test-ComputerSecureChannel to test a connection before you run a
script that requires the connection.

The if statement checks the value that Test-ComputerSecureChannel returns before it runs a script.

Parameters

-Confirm

Prompts you for confirmation before running the cmdlet.

Type:SwitchParameter
Aliases:cf
Position:Named
Default value:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Credential

Specifies a user account that has permission to perform this action. Type a user name, such as
User01 or Domain01\User01, or enter a PSCredential object, such as one that the Get-Credential
cmdlet returns. By default, the cmdlet uses the credentials of the current user.

The Credential parameter is designed for use in commands that use the Repair parameter to
repair the channel between the computer and the domain.

Type:PSCredential
Position:Named
Default value:None
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Repair

Indicates that this cmdlet removes and then rebuilds the channel established by the NetLogon
service. Use this parameter to try to restore a connection that has failed the test.

To use this parameter, the current user must be a member of the Administrators group on the local
computer.

Type:SwitchParameter
Position:Named
Default value:None
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-Server

Specifies the domain controller to run the command. If this parameter is not specified, this cmdlet
selects a default domain controller for the operation.

Type:String
Position:Named
Default value:None
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

-WhatIf

Shows what would happen if the cmdlet runs. The cmdlet is not run.

Type:SwitchParameter
Aliases:wi
Position:Named
Default value:False
Accept pipeline input:False
Accept wildcard characters:False

Inputs

None

You cannot pipe input to this cmdlet.

Outputs

Boolean

This cmdlet returns $True if the connection is working correctly and $False if it is not.

Notes

• To run a Test-ComputerSecureChannel command on Windows Vista and later versions of the Windows
  operating system, open Windows PowerShell by using the Run as administrator option.
• Test-ComputerSecureChannel is implemented by using the I_NetLogonControl2 function, which
  controls various aspects of the Netlogon service.