DHCP Server for Windows 10

Hello Dev, are you looking for a way to set up a DHCP server on your Windows 10 machine? In this article, we will guide you through the process step-by-step. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a protocol used to assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters automatically to devices on a network. Setting up a DHCP server on your Windows 10 machine can be useful in a variety of scenarios such as managing a small network or testing network configurations. Let’s get started!

1. Checking the DHCP Server Role

Before setting up a DHCP server on Windows 10, you need to make sure that the DHCP server role is installed on your machine. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Server Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Server Manager from the menu.
2. Click on Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
3. Click on Next until you reach the Server Roles screen.
4. Check if the DHCP Server role is already installed. If not, select it and click on Next.
5. Follow the installation wizard until the installation is complete.

2. Configuring the DHCP Server

Now that the DHCP server role is installed, you need to configure it to assign IP addresses to devices on your network. Follow the steps below:

2.1. Opening the DHCP Server Manager

To open the DHCP Server Manager, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Server Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Server Manager from the menu.
2. Click on Tools and select DHCP from the menu.

2.2. Creating a DHCP Scope

A DHCP scope is a range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can assign to devices on your network. Follow the steps below to create a DHCP scope:

1. In the DHCP Server Manager, right-click on IPv4 and select New Scope.
2. Follow the New Scope Wizard and configure the scope options as desired.
3. Make sure to specify the IP address range and subnet mask for the scope.
4. Also, specify the default gateway, DNS server, and any other options as necessary.

2.3. Activating the DHCP Scope

After creating a DHCP scope, you need to activate it to start handing out IP addresses. Follow the steps below to activate a DHCP scope:

1. In the DHCP Server Manager, expand the server name and click on IPv4.
2. Right-click on the DHCP scope you just created and select Activate.

2.4. Configuring DHCP Options

DHCP options are additional settings that can be assigned to devices on your network. Follow the steps below to configure DHCP options:

1. In the DHCP Server Manager, right-click on Server Options and select Configure Options.
2. Select the options you want to configure and enter the appropriate values.
3. Some common options include default gateway, DNS server, and domain name.

2.5. Reserving IP Addresses

You can reserve specific IP addresses for devices on your network by assigning them a DHCP reservation. Follow the steps below to reserve an IP address:

1. In the DHCP Server Manager, expand the server name and click on IPv4.
2. Find the MAC address of the device you want to reserve an IP address for.
3. Right-click on the DHCP scope and select New Reservation.
4. Enter the MAC address and the IP address you want to reserve for the device.

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)