Configure DHCP Server on Windows Server 2022 + Configure DHCP Relay

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a critical service in any modern network, automatically assigning IP addresses and network settings to client devices without manual configuration. By deploying DHCP on Windows Server 2022, administrators can simplify IP management, reduce configuration errors, and improve overall network efficiency. In this guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of installing and configuring the DHCP Server role on Windows Server 2022 in a clear and practical way.

Installation

Go to server manager then select Add Roles and Feature

 

Wait for the installation to complete, then click Close.

Go to server manager then click Complete DHCP setup

Configuration

Go to server manager again, then click DHCP

Right click on the IPv4 > New Scope

Give it a friendly name

Set the IP address range and subnet mask. In most cases I do skip some numbers to be exluded in the exlussion to preserve it for special use (let's say static addressing in that subnet). 

Put start IP address and end IP address then click Add, then Next

Set the lease time, as this is just a home lab, I don't want short lease time to prevent IP address change to often

I will go with configure DHCP option now

Put IP address of the gateway which is the router

Use the domain as a parent domain, and also make sure to put the DC IP address 

WINS is a legacy technology for netbios name resolution, but I will put the DC IP address, just to be safe and complete.

Final step, activate the scope, then finish.

Repeat the process for other subnet that require DHCP services. Now I have 2 DHCP scope

Since I am using MikroTik for the Labs network, I will create a DHCP relay so clients get IP address from the DHCP server located in the domain controller.

ip dhcp-relay add dhcp-server=10.10.17.135 interface=ether2-LAB-Client local-address=192.168.17.1 name=KumanLabs-Clients disabled=no

See if client can get DHCP from the server