How to Install & Configure a DHCP Server

A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is essential for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices within a network. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring a DHCP server on a Windows Server environment.

Step 1: Install the DHCP Server Role

1. Open the Server Manager and click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
2. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
3. Choose the target server and click Next.
4. Select DHCP Server from the list of roles and click Next.
     
5. Confirm installation selections and click Install.
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7. Once installation is complete, click Close.

Step 2: Configure the DHCP Server

1. Open Server Manager and click on Tools > DHCP.

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3. Select the server, right-click on IPv4, and choose New Scope.
4. Follow the wizard to create a new scope:
   • Scope Name: Enter a descriptive name.
   • IP Address Range: Define the range of addresses to be assigned.
   • Subnet Mask: Specify the appropriate subnet mask.
   • Exclusions: Exclude any IPs reserved for specific devices.
   • Lease Duration: Set the lease time for assigned addresses.
   • Router (Gateway): Enter the IP address of the default gateway.
   • DNS Server: Add the DNS server’s IP address.
5. Activate the scope to start assigning IP addresses.

Step 3: Authorize the DHCP Server

1. In the DHCP Console, right-click on the DHCP server and select Authorize.
2. Wait for a few moments and refresh the console to verify the authorization.

Step 4: Test DHCP Server Functionality

1. Connect a client device to the network.
2. Run ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt.
3. Verify the client has received an IP address from the DHCP server.

How to Install & Configure a DHCP Server (F.A.Q)