Managing DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a critical part of any Windows Server environment. If your DHCP database becomes corrupted or lost, devices will no longer receive IP addresses automatically — causing network outages and downtime.

That’s why regular DHCP backups are essential. In this guide, you’ll learn how to back up and restore a DHCP Server in Windows Server 2025 using both GUI and PowerShell.

✅ Why Backing Up DHCP Is Important

• Protects your IP lease database
• Ensures quick recovery after server failure
• Supports migration to a new server
• Prevents manual recreation of scopes, reservations, and options

1. How to Back Up DHCP Server

Windows Server automatically keeps a backup every 60 minutes, but you should still create manual backups—especially before migrations or major changes.

Method 1: Backup Using DHCP Manager (GUI)

1. Open Server Manager
2. Go to Tools → DHCP
3. Right-click the DHCP Server name
4. Select Backup…
5. Choose a folder (example: C:\DHCP-Backup)
6. Click OK

Your DHCP database, scopes, options, and reservations are now saved.

Method 2: Backup Using PowerShell

PowerShell is the fastest and most reliable way to export DHCP data.

Run this command:
 

Export-DhcpServer -ComputerName localhost -Leases -File "C:\DHCP-Backup\dhcp-backup.xml"

What this command does:

• Exports all scopes
• Includes all lease information
• Creates a clean XML backup file that can be restored anytime

2. How to Restore DHCP Server

Restoring DHCP usually happens when:

• The server crashes
• The database becomes corrupted
• You’re migrating DHCP to a new server

Method 1: Restore Using DHCP Manager (GUI)

1. Open DHCP Manager
2. Right-click the DHCP Server name
3. Click Restore…
4. Select the backup folder (example: C:\DHCP-Backup)
5. Confirm and restart the DHCP service when asked

Method 2: Restore Using PowerShell

If your backup was created with Export-DhcpServer, use this:

Import-DhcpServer -ComputerName localhost -File "C:\DHCP-Backup\dhcp-backup.xml" -BackupPath "C:\DHCP-Backup" -Leases -Force

This restores:

• All scopes
• Leases
• Reservations
• Server options

Important:
If restoring to a new DHCP server, make sure it is authorized in Active Directory:

Add-DhcpServerInDC -DnsName "NEW-SERVER.domain.local" -IPAddress 192.168.1.10

3. Tips for DHCP Backup Best Practices

How to Back Up and Restore a DHCP Server (Windows Server 2025 Guide) (F.A.Q)