Windows Server DHCP Server Installation

Windows DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server is a critical Windows service that provides great convenience to network administrators. This system simplifies network management and saves time by automatically assigning IP addresses, subnet masks and other configuration parameters to devices on the network.

In this article, Windows DHCP ServerWe will cover the basic features, installation process and configuration steps of . Also, DHCP's We will examine how it works, what advantages it offers, and common problems that may be encountered and how to solve them.

What is Windows DHCP Server?

Windows DHCP Serveris a server service used to automatically distribute IP addresses and other network configuration settings to devices on a network. This server greatly simplifies the work of network administrators by eliminating the need to manually assign IP addresses to each device.DHCPThis automatic functionality of ensures that network devices connect to the network quickly and without errors, thus saving time and resources. It also helps prevent IP address conflicts and manage network resources more efficiently.

Windows DHCP Server Role Installation


DHCP installation of role service, a Windows Server is a basic network management task. Performing this process correctly ensures that devices on the network automatically obtain IP addresses and other network configuration information without any problems.

Before you start the installation, remember that you need to assign a static IP address to your server. 

Static IP Assignment:

  • DHCP Before installing the service, you need to install a static IP You must assign the address.
  • Server ManagerOpen ' and from the left menu select 'Add Roles and FeaturesClick on the 'option.
  • ''Role-based or feature-based installation' option and click the 'Next' button.
  • DHCP Server Select the server you will install and click 'NextPress the ' button.
  • Server RolesWhen you come to the ' screen, 'DHCP ServerSelect the 'r' option and continue moving forward.
  • Features section, you do not need to add any additional features.Next' Continue by clicking the button.
  • 'installBy clicking the ' button DHCP Server start the installation. When the installation is complete, 'Close' by clicking the button 'Add Roles and Features WizardClose the .
  • After installation, DHCP to open the management console 'Server Manager' inside 'Tools' from the menu 'DHCP' You can turn on the option.

Windows DHCP Server Configuration

Windows Server will be working on DHCP Server for the first ROLE We have completed the installation, now Windows We have installed on DHCP Server We need to perform the initial configuration steps for .

DHCP Your first task to start the server is Authorization After the process is completed, Windows Serveron r DHCP ManagerAppearing in Domain Name Right click on it and select "AuthorizeWe click on the option. This process is necessary for the DHCP server to become active on the network and does not require any additional configuration.

  • DHCP Server Console – Just follow the DHCP and Authorize steps.

Steps to Create a DHCP Server Scope

After completing the authorization process via DHCP Server, we will create a Scope to distribute and configure IP addresses. These steps are:

  • DHCP on the management screen, “IPv4Right click on "new scope” option. This is Scope Wizardwill start the .
  • Offered Scope Wizard on the screen you will create scope A name needs to be determined for .
  • "IP Address Range" will be distributed in the step IP address range and subnet Mask enter their addresses. For example, you can use the range 192.168.1.58 – 192.168.1.80 and a Subnet Mask value of 255.255.255.0 (/24 CIDR notation).
The value 255.255.255.0 is expressed as /24 in CIDR notation. This means that of the four octets used in network addressing, the first three octets are all reserved for the network address, and the last octet is used for device (host) addressing. Each octet has a value of 8 bits, and the /24 notation indicates that the first 32 bits of the total 24 bits are used as the network address. This configuration provides 256 (2^8) potential IP addresses in the network, but the number of usable addresses is 254 because the first and last addresses are reserved for the network address and the broadcast address, respectively. 
  • "Add Exclusions and Delay” screen, you do not want to distribute IP We can determine address ranges.
You can enter the IP ranges you want to Exclude in the Start IP address and End IP Address sections.
  • "Lease Duration" in the window, IP Specify how long the addresses will remain on the client. This period is IP determines how long the addresses will be rented.
  • "Configure OptionsIn the step ”, the created scope It asks you whether to make the settings immediately.

Yes, I want to configure these options now If selected, a Wizard will open to make the settings.

No, I will configure these options later If selected, settings can be made Scope in Scope Options We will need to configure the option on .

WE No, I will configure these options later We will continue with.

How Does DHCP Server Lease Duration Logic Work?

DHCP Lease Duration (Lease Term), a DHCP server to devices on the network (HOST) Determines how long IP addresses will be allocated. During this period, the device's IP address remains fixed and is renewed by the device or server before the time expires. Here are the details of how this mechanism works:

Lease Renewal (Renewal Process)

DHCPA device that receives an IP address from (HOST), as the lease term approaches its end DHCP It constantly sends requests to its server saying “My lease is about to expire.” These requests usually start halfway through the lease period.

For example, for an IP with a lease period of 8 days, the device sends a renewal request to the DHCP server on the 4th day.

  • If the DHCP server accepts this request, restarts the lease period of the IP address and notifies the device that the period has been extended. Thus, the HOST's IP address does not change and the network connection continues uninterrupted.
  • If the device cannot reach the server before the time runs outWhen the lease period expires, the device's IP address is released and can be allocated to another device.

Lease Expiration

The situation is different for a device that is never turned on during the lease period:

  • A device whose lease has expired when not used or not connected to the network for a long time, DHCP server releases the IP address allocated for this device.
  • After this period, when another device (for example, XY) wants to connect to the network DISCOVER sends the message.
  • DHCP server allocates the free IP address to the new device. Thanks to this process, the same IP address is used simultaneously by two different devices, thus making it possible IP conflicts are prevented.

Activating Windows DHCP Server Scope

After your scope creation process is successfully completed, the scope created needs to be activated. This process is a mandatory step so that the IP address ranges you define in the scope can be distributed to the devices on the network.

Activating DHCP Server Scope

  1. Scope Selection in DHCP Management Console:
    • DHCP Open the management console and find the scope you just created.
    • Scope Right click on it and select "ActivateClick .” This step will activate the scope and start distributing IP addresses.

Once the activation process is completed, the DHCP server starts using the IP address range defined under this scope and automatically starts assigning IPs to devices connected to the network.

Configuring DHCP Server Scope Settings

Scope Options Settings:

  • DHCP On the management screen, re-select the scope you activated.
  • Scope Right click on it and select "Scope Options” option. Here you can make settings via various DHCP options.

003 Router (Gateway): You can specify the IP address of your gateway here. This is used to provide devices on your network with access to the Internet or other networks.

IP Address You should use the section Gateway It will be enough to write the information.

006 DNS Servers: By adding the IP addresses of DNS servers, you can ensure that devices on your network can perform name resolution.

You can write the DNS information that should be used in the IP address section. For example: If you are in an AD environment, you can distribute the IP addresses of your DC servers as DNS.

015 DNS Domain Name: You can define the default domain name of the devices in your network with this option.

Once your DHCP server is installed and configured, you may need to fix IP addresses for certain devices. This is especially important for servers, printers, or other network devices that need a fixed IP address.

DHCP Server IP Address Reservation

Collecting Device Information to be Reservation:

  • To find out the MAC address of the device to be reserved, cmd open it ipconfig /all Run the command. This command displays detailed information about network adapters, especially MAC shows the address.

Creating a Reservation in DHCP Manager:

  • DHCP open the management console and “ReservationsGo to the ” section.
  • Right click here and select “New ReservationOpen a new reservation window by selecting the ” option.

Entering Reservation Details:

  • Reservation Name: Give a meaningful name for the device you will reserve.
  • IP Address: Enter the fixed IP address to be assigned to the device.
  • MAC Address: Enter the MAC address you found in Step 1.
  • Description: You can write your notes or explanations about the reservation in this area.
  • After entering the required information, save and activate the reservation. This action ensures that the specified IP address is only used by the device with the specified MAC address.
  • DHCP all devices that receive an IP address via the server "Address Leases” section. This is useful for checking which device gets which IP address.
  • If you want to reserve an IP address directly, “Address LeasesRight click on the relevant IP address in the "Add to Reservation” option. This will convert the current rental information into a permanent reservation.

With these steps, on Windows Server 2019 DHCP Server setup, you have successfully completed your configuration and IP address reservation processes. In our next article, DHCP Failover installation and configuration will be covered so that DHCP We will discuss methods to increase the continuity and reliability of your service.

Windows Server DHCP Server Failover Installation – Cengiz YILMAZ

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