In the Windows environment, it is common to encounter the error message "A global group cannot have a universal group as a member." This error occurs when attempting to add a universal group as a member of a global group. Understanding this error and knowing how to resolve it is crucial for Windows administrators and engineers to effectively manage user groups and permissions.

The importance of resolving this error in the Windows environment is to ensure proper group management and maintain a secure and efficient system. By understanding the cause and solution to this error, administrators can avoid potential issues related to user access and permissions.

Examples:

Example 1: Using Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)
1. Open ADUC and navigate to the global group that needs to have a universal group as a member.
2. Right-click on the global group and select "Properties."
3. In the "Members" tab, click on "Add."
4. Search for the universal group and click "OK" to add it as a member.
5. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.

Example 2: Using PowerShell

# Import the Active Directory module

Import-Module ActiveDirectory



# Get the global group object

$globalGroup = Get-ADGroup -Identity "GlobalGroup"



# Get the universal group object

$universalGroup = Get-ADGroup -Identity "UniversalGroup"



# Add the universal group as a member of the global group

Add-ADGroupMember -Identity $globalGroup -Members $universalGroup