CHAIMAE ZOUAKI
DHCP Configuration on Windows Server
Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction:
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol
used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration settings to
devices on a network.
In this project, we will set up and configure a DHCP server on Windows Server, which
allows client machines to receive IP addresses dynamically. This eliminates the need to
manually configure each device, simplifies network administration, and reduces
configuration errors.
We will use a virtual environment with two virtual machines:
• One for the Windows Server, where DHCP and AD DS are installed.
• One for a Windows 10/11 client, which will automatically receive its IP from the
DHCP server and be joined to the domain.
1: Install the DHCP Server Role:
a) Open Server Manager.
b) Click on "Manage" > "Add Roles and Features".
c) In the "Before you begin" window, click Next.
d) Select "Role-based or feature-based installation" > Next.
e) Choose your server > Click Next.
f) Under Server Roles, check DHCP Server.
g) Click Add Features when prompted.
h) Click Next until you reach the confirmation page, then click Install.
2: Authorize the DHCP Server:
a) During the post-installation wizard, enter the credentials of a user with
permission to authorize the DHCP server in Active Directory.
3: Create a New DHCP Scope:
a) In Server Manager, go to Tools > DHCP.
b) Expand your server node > Right-click IPv4 > Choose New Scope.
c) Follow the New Scope Wizard:
➢ Name: Enter a name for the scope.
➢ IP Address Range: Define the Start IP, End IP, and Subnet Mask.
➢ Exclusions: Add IPs to exclude from leasing ( static IPs).
➢ Lease Duration: Default is usually fine (8 days).
➢ Configure Options:
✓ Router (Default Gateway): Enter the IP address of your router.
✓ DNS Server: Enter the DNS IP (often same as router or server
IP).
✓ Click Finish.
4: Activate the Scope:
a) Right-click the new scope > Choose Activate.
5: Test the DHCP Server:
a) Connect a client (Windows 10 VM) to the same network
b) Set the client’s IP settings to obtain an IP address automatically.
c) Run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, configuring a DHCP server on Windows Server greatly simplifies network
management by automating the assignment of IP addresses to client devices. This
ensures efficient use of IP resources, reduces manual configuration errors, and
improves overall network reliability.
By integrating DHCP with Active Directory Domain Services, we enable centralized
control and seamless domain joining for client machines. This setup is fundamental for
managing modern network environments effectively and provides a scalable solution for
growing organizations.
