# Computer default container count should be retrievable

Computers located in the default CN=Computers container represent a security and management concern:

Source: https://maester.dev/docs/tests/AD-COMP-06

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<div class="test-byline"><div class="test-byline-avatars"><a class="test-byline-avatar test-byline-avatar--author" href="/contributors/soulemike" title="Michael Soule · Original author"><img src="https://github.com/soulemike.png" alt="Michael Soule" width="28" height="28" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /></a></div><div class="test-byline-meta"><span class="test-byline-text">Contributed by <a href="/contributors/soulemike">Michael Soule</a></span><a class="test-byline-link" href="/contributors">All contributors →</a></div></div>

<p class="test-part">Part of <a href="/docs/tests/ad">Active Directory</a> · Active Directory · Computers · <a href="/docs/tests">All checks</a></p>

```powershell title="Run this check"
Invoke-Maester -TestId AD-COMP-06
```

## Overview

Computers located in the default `CN=Computers` container represent a security and management concern:

- **No Group Policy inheritance**: The Computers container is not an OU, so it doesn't support Group Policy inheritance
- **Management gaps**: Computers in the default container may not receive security policies, software updates, or configurations
- **Provisioning issues**: Indicates the domain join process hasn't been customized or automated provisioning is failing
- **Shadow IT**: May represent unauthorized systems joined to the domain

#### Control Type

**Detective**

#### Security Recommendation

- Move all computers from the default Computers container into appropriate OUs based on:
  - Geographic location
  - Department or function
  - Security requirements
- Implement a standardized domain join process that places computers in the correct OU
- Use redircmp.exe to redirect new computer accounts to a specific OU
- Regularly audit the default container for new additions

#### How the Test Works

This test identifies enabled computer accounts where the Distinguished Name contains `CN=Computers,` indicating they are in the default Computers container rather than a proper organizational unit.

#### Related Tests

- `Test-MtAdComputerOUCount` - Shows the distribution of computers across OUs
- `Test-MtAdComputerPerOUAverage` - Analyzes OU structure effectiveness

## Details

<details>
<summary>Every attribute of this check</summary>

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Test ID | AD-COMP-06 |
| Severity | Info |
| Suite | Active Directory |
| Product | Active Directory |
| Feature | Computers |
| Area | Infrastructure hardening |
| Resource type | Computer |
| MITRE ATT&CK | None |
| PowerShell test | [Test-MtAdComputerInDefaultContainer](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/computer/Test.AD-COMP-06.ps1) |
| Services | ActiveDirectory |
| Permissions | ActiveDirectory:Ldap:computer:ReadProperty |

</details>

## Source

- Test: [`tests/ad/computer/Test.AD-COMP-06.ps1`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/computer/Test.AD-COMP-06.ps1)
- Documentation: [`tests/ad/computer/Test.AD-COMP-06.md`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/computer/Test.AD-COMP-06.md)