Which component of a domain manages user authentication?

The domain controller is the key component in a domain that manages user authentication. It serves as a centralized server that stores user account information and enforces security policies for the entire domain. When a user attempts to log in or access resources on the network, the domain controller verifies their credentials against its database of user accounts.

This process ensures that only authorized users can access network resources and that they are granted the appropriate permissions based on their roles. The domain controller uses protocols such as Kerberos for secure authentication, allowing for encrypted and trusted interactions between clients and servers within the domain.

By having a dedicated domain controller handle these tasks, it simplifies user management, enhances security, and provides a more streamlined experience for both administrators and end-users within the network. Other components like web servers, file servers, or proxy servers do not have the primary function of managing authentication for user access within a domain.