In domain\user syntax, you can often use the period as an abbreviation for “this computer”

Raymond Chen

March 5th, 20244 1

In general, the Windows syntax for a user in a domain on a system is domain\user or computername\user. A handy abbreviation is using a single period to represent the local computer name. For example, at the main logon screen, if you want to log in as a local account, you can type .\user instead of some monstrosity like DESKTOP-LWFX8QRP\user.

This is also useful when connecting remotely to another system either via Remote Desktop or the Visual Studio remote debugger: You can type .\user to provide a local account on the remote system.

Just a handy little typing-saver for today, that’s all.

Raymond Chen

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4 comments

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  • KM 0

    I always default to \user. This prevents me from the questioning whether the . is resolved on my machine or the remote machine.

  • Vijay Anand E G 0

    The period (.) always represents the current context.

    • The current folder (in CLI)
    • Local computer
    • To refer SQL instance in the local machine like .\SQLEXPRESS
    • The User’s home directory (from the Windows Run dialog)
    • Joe Beans 0

      All of those period operators are separately implemented in their respective domains. It would be great if there were a universal resource tree, you know, like a “Shell Namespace”.

  • David Hayman 0

    How is this implemented for non-domain things, such as IIS APPPOOL\Web App? Or conversely, how does it work for domain-like things that aren’t traditional domains, such as logging into Entra ID?

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