Active Directory - Installing DHCP Server Role

Objective

This weekend's exercise was focused on installing and configuring the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) role on a Windows Server that's part of an Active Directory (AD) environment. DHCP is essential in network management because it automates the assignment of IP addresses to client machines on the network.

Lab Setup

• Host Machine: Windows 11 with Hyper-V enabled

  • Virtual Machines:

    • DC01: Windows Server 2022 (Domain Controller + DHCP Server)

    • WIN11: Windows 11 (Client)

  • Virtual Network: Private virtual switch (Hyper-V)

  • Tools Used: Server Manager, DHCP Management Console (dhcp.msc)

1. Open Server Manager > Add roles and features

2. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation

3. Select Destination Server

4. Select Server Role - DHCP Server > Add Features > Choose features

5. Confirm Installation Selections > select restart the destination server automatically if required

   

   6. Complete Post-deployment Configuration

Create new DHCP Scope

Select Tools > DCHP

In this example, the scope will be IPV4. Right click and choose new scope > Select scope name

Select scope range

Choose exclusion - Added Domain Controller to exclusion list

Select Scope Options

Add the Router (Default Gateway) and any other relevant options if needed.

Testing the Setup

After activating the scope, I powered on the Windows 11 client VM (WIN11), which is also connected to the same Private virtual switch.

• Ran ipconfig on the client and confirmed it received a 192.168.0.x address from the DHCP server.

• Verified the lease appeared under Address Leases in the DHCP Manager on DC01.

---

Confirmed inside of DCHP manager as well.

Lessons Learned

• DHCP does not require the client to be joined to the domain—just on the same network.

• A Private virtual switch in Hyper-V simulates a small, isolated network—perfect for AD labs.

• If you get an APIPA address (169.254.x.x), check the DHCP server’s authorization, firewall, and whether the client can reach the server at all.