How To Install DHCP on Windows Server 2022

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an essential service for managing IP address allocation in a network. By automatically assigning IP addresses to devices, DHCP eliminates the need for manual configuration, making network management more efficient and reducing errors. Windows Server 2022 includes a DHCP Server role that can be easily installed and configured to help streamline network IP management.

This guide will walk you through the steps to install and configure DHCP on Windows Server 2022, ensuring your network has reliable IP allocation services.

Prerequisites for Installing DHCP on Windows Server 2022

Before you start the installation, ensure the following prerequisites are in place:

• Windows Server 2022 is fully updated and activated.
• You have administrative privileges on the server.
• The server is configured with a static IP address.
• The network scope and IP address range for DHCP are planned out in advance, as these will be configured later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing DHCP on Windows Server 2022

Step 1: Open Server Manager

1. Log in to your Windows Server 2022.
2. Open Server Manager. You can access Server Manager by clicking on the Start menu or by searching for Server Manager in the search bar.

Step 2: Start the Add Roles and Features Wizard

1. In Server Manager, click on Manage in the top-right corner.
2. Select Add Roles and Features from the dropdown menu. This action will open the Add Roles and Features Wizard.

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

1. In the wizard, click Next to start.
2. On the Select Installation Type screen, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.

Step 4: Select the Server

1. On the Select Destination Server screen, choose the server where you want to install DHCP. This is usually the local server, which will appear as the default option.
2. Confirm the selection and click Next.

Step 5: Choose the DHCP Server Role

1. On the Select Server Roles screen, find and check the DHCP Server role.
2. A pop-up window will appear asking to add required features for DHCP Server. Click Add Features to continue.
3. Click Next after adding the DHCP Server role.

Step 6: Skip the Features Section

1. The next section, Select Features, provides additional features that can be added to the server. You can skip this section unless specific features are required.
2. Click Next to continue without selecting any additional features.

Step 7: Review DHCP Server Information

1. The DHCP Server section provides information about DHCP and its functions.
2. After reviewing, click Next to proceed.

Step 8: Confirm and Install DHCP

1. In the Confirm Installation Selections section, review your selections.
2. Check the Restart the destination server automatically if required box if you want the server to restart upon installation completion.
3. Click Install to begin the installation process.

The installation will now proceed. Once completed, you’ll see a confirmation message indicating the installation was successful.

Step 9: Complete the DHCP Configuration

After installation, you must complete the DHCP configuration to finalize setup.

1. In the Installation progress window, click Complete DHCP configuration.
2. The DHCP Post-Install Configuration Wizard will open. Click Next to begin.

Configuring DHCP on Windows Server 2022

After completing the installation, configure the DHCP scope, DNS settings, and other parameters to ensure the DHCP server operates correctly.

Step 1: Authorize the DHCP Server

1. In the Authorization screen of the DHCP Post-Install Wizard, ensure your Active Directory credentials are set. Authorization allows the server to operate within the network.
2. Select the Use the following user credentials option and enter the appropriate credentials if not automatically filled.
3. Click Commit to authorize the DHCP server, then click Close to complete the configuration.

Step 2: Open DHCP Management Console

1. Open the DHCP Management Console by going back to Server Manager.
2. In Server Manager, click Tools in the top-right corner and select DHCP. This opens the DHCP management console, where you can configure and manage DHCP settings.

Step 3: Create a DHCP Scope

The DHCP scope defines a range of IP addresses the server can assign to network clients. Each scope should be configured based on your IP range requirements.

1. In the DHCP management console, expand your server’s name in the left panel.
2. Right-click on IPv4 (or IPv6 if using IPv6) and select New Scope.
3. The New Scope Wizard will open. Click Next to start the wizard.

Define Scope Settings

1. Scope Name: Enter a descriptive name for your scope (e.g., “Office Network”).
2. IP Range: Enter the Start IP address and End IP address for the range of IPs that the DHCP server will manage.
3. Subnet Mask: Define the subnet mask, which determines the network size.
4. Click Next after entering the IP range and subnet mask.

Exclude IP Addresses (Optional)

1. Exclusions and Delay: Specify any IP addresses you want to exclude from DHCP allocation. For example, static IPs assigned to servers or network printers.
2. Delay: Enter a delay time if necessary, which can prioritize certain DHCP servers in a multi-server setup.
3. Click Next after setting exclusions or leave them blank.

Lease Duration

1. Specify the Lease Duration, which determines how long a device can use an IP address before needing to renew it. The default is 8 days, but you can adjust it based on your network’s requirements.
2. Click Next to continue.

Configure DHCP Options

1. Router (Default Gateway): Enter the IP address of the network’s default gateway.
2. Domain Name and DNS Servers: Specify the domain name and DNS server addresses. The DNS server address ensures that devices on the network can resolve domain names to IP addresses.
3. WINS Servers: If you use WINS, enter the addresses here; otherwise, click Next.

Click Next after configuring these options.

Activate the Scope

1. On the Activate Scope page, select Yes, I want to activate this scope now.
2. Click Next and then Finish to complete the scope configuration.

Step 4: Verify DHCP Configuration

1. In the DHCP management console, expand IPv4 and select the scope you just created.
2. Review the scope’s settings, address pool, and active leases to verify that DHCP is configured correctly.
3. To test the DHCP server, connect a device to the network, and ensure it receives an IP address from the DHCP scope.

Additional DHCP Configuration Tips

1. Reserve IP Addresses for Key Devices: In the DHCP management console, you can reserve specific IP addresses for critical devices by right-clicking Reservations and selecting New Reservation. This is useful for devices like printers, servers, or network storage that require consistent IP addresses.
2. Set Up DHCP Failover for High Availability: For networks that need reliable DHCP services, consider setting up DHCP failover on a second Windows Server 2022 instance to provide redundancy.
3. Monitor DHCP Logs: Regularly monitor DHCP logs to ensure the server is operating smoothly. Logs provide insights into any IP conflicts or potential issues with address distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Installing DHCP on Windows Server 2022