How to Install & Configure DHCP on Windows Server 2022 - 25: Step-by-Step Guide

This document provides a comprehensive guide on how to install and configure the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) on Windows Server 2022. DHCP is a crucial service that automates the assignment of IP addresses to devices on a network, which is particularly beneficial for businesses, educational institutions, and home labs. By following this step-by-step guide, you will be able to set up DHCP efficiently and ensure that your network operates smoothly.

Why Set Up DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network, saving you from manual configurations. Perfect for businesses, schools, or even home labs!

Pre-Requisites

✔ Windows Server 2022 installed
✔ Administrator access
✔ Static IP set on your server
✔ Network connection

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Log In to Your Server

  • Connect via RDP or locally

  • Use administrator credentials

2. Open Server Manager

  • Click the Windows icon

  • Select Server Manager

3. Add DHCP Server Role

  1. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features

  2. Select Role-based installation > Next

  3. Choose your server from the pool

  4. Check DHCP Server

  5. Click Add Features when prompted

  6. Continue clicking Next until installation begins

  7. Wait for completion (~2-5 minutes)

4. Complete DHCP Configuration

  1. Click the yellow warning flag in Server Manager

  2. Select Complete DHCP configuration

  3. Choose Commit for authorization

  4. Click Close

Setting Up Your DHCP Scope

5. Open DHCP Manager

  • In Server Manager, click Tools > DHCP

6. Create New Scope

  1. Right-click IPv4 > New Scope

  2. Name it (e.g., “Office Network”)

  3. Define IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.100 – 192.168.1.200)

  4. Set subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0)

  5. Exclude any reserved IPs (printers, servers, etc.)

7. Configure Lease Duration

  • Default is 8 days (good for most offices)

  • Shorter leases (1 day) for guest networks

8. Set Router (Default Gateway)

  • Typically your router/firewall IP

  • Example: 192.168.1.1

9. Add DNS Servers

  • Enter your organization’s DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS)

10. Activate Scope

  • Select Yes, activate now

  • Click Finish

Verifying DHCP Works

11. Test from a Client Device

  1. Connect a laptop to the network

  2. Open Command Prompt

  3. Type:

    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew

  4. Check if it receives an IP from your range

Advanced Tips

🔹 Reservations: Assign fixed IPs to specific devices
🔹 Backup DHCP: Export/import configurations
🔹 Monitor Leases: Track connected devices

Troubleshooting

❌ Clients not getting IPs?

  • Check firewall rules (allow UDP ports 67/68)

  • Verify scope is activated

❌ Duplicate IPs?

  • Reduce lease time

  • Check for rogue DHCP servers

Final Thoughts

Setting up DHCP takes under 15 minutes but saves hours of network management. Whether you’re running a business network or homelab, automatic IP assignments are a game-changer!

Scroll to Top