DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is one of the network protocols that dynamically assigns IP addresses to every device in a network. This ensures that there is no IP address conflict between two or more devices and hence fewer chances of network errors.
However, if you have installed multiple routers, we highly recommend disabling DHCP in one of them. After that, it’s necessary to set a static IP address, subnet mask and default gateway.
Enabling and disabling DHCP on Windows is possible from the built-in Settings, Control Panel, terminal, or even your router’s configuration interface.
How Does DHCP Work?
Before diving into the DHCP configuration, let’s get a brief insight into its working.
When a computer or any other device wants to connect to a network, it generates a request, which is picked by a DHCP server. Now, the server assigns a dynamic IP address to it and keeps monitoring its use.
Once the device is inactive, the DHCP server pulls back the IP and stores it in a pool of addresses. This will be reassigned to another device when it tries connecting to the network.
Below are some of the technical terminologies to help you understand more about the working of DHCP:
- DHCP Discovery: Broadcast packet sent by a DHCP client to the DHCP server
- DHCP Offer: An information message sent by the server to the client confirming that it has received the DHCP Discovery
- DHCP Request: Request message sent by the client device to a DHCP server (from many servers, only one is accepted) to get the offered IP
- DHCP Acknowledgement: IP settings sent by the DHCP server acknowledging the DHCP Request
How to Enable or Disable DHCP in Windows 11
In most Windows-based PCs, the DHCP server is enabled by default. Hence, these devices obtain IP addresses automatically. But there can be times when you want to use static IP addresses for better DNS support, reliable communication, bypassing firewalls, etc. To achieve this, you’ll need to first disable the DHCP server.
From Windows Settings App
The in-built Settings app on Windows lets you set various configurations, like System, Network, Gaming, Accessibility, and many more. Likewise, enabling and disabling DHCP is also possible here.
Enable DHCP
Firstly, let’s learn how to enable DHCP from the Windows 11 Settings:
- Use Windows + I shortcut to open the application.
- Go to Network & internet and choose your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Move to [Your Connection] Properties.
- Now, expand the Properties section and scroll down to find IP Assignment. Here, press the Edit button.
- Once the Edit network IP Settings dialogue box pops up, select Automatic (DHCP) and hit Save.
- Again, click on the Edit button from the DNS server assignment field.
- Choose Automatic (DHCP) again and tap Save.
Disable DHCP
If you’re planning to set a static IP address on Windows, the first thing to do is turn off DHCP. Kindly follow the below instructions on how you can do just that:
- Press the IP Assignment’s Edit button in the network properties window.
- To disable DHCP, expand the drop-down and select Manual.
- Now, toggle on IPv4 or IPv6.
- Input the valid IP Address, Subnet Mask, Preferred DNS, and Alternate DNS. Then, hit Save.
- Repeat the same process with DNS server assignment.
Via Network Connections
Network Connections is a dedicated section in Control Panel that lets you configure and manage all the adapters (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Virtual Private Network, Virtual Machine, etc.). In this section, you will learn how to tweak IPv4 or IPv6 to enable/disable the DHCP server.
Enable DHCP
As we know, DHCP means automatically assigning the IP addresses on your computer. So, you can use the Network Connections utility to configure this in order to enable DHCP:
- Use Windows + R to launch the Run utility. Here, execute the
ncpa.cplcommand to open the Network Connections window. - Right-click on your network connection (Wi-Fi or ethernet) and choose Properties.
- In the Networking tab, double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Once a new dialogue box launches, choose the following options – Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
- Press the Ok button to save the changes.
- Repeat the same for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and once that’s done, press Ok.
Disable DHCP
To disable DHCP on Windows, you’ll need to set your custom IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway:
- Launch Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties from the network connection window.
- Select Use the following IP addresses. Then, set an appropriate IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.
- Next, select Use the following DNS server addresses. Here, input preferred and alternate DNS servers.
- Hit the Ok buttons on both the properties windows.
- If you’ve set up IPv6, open Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) Properties. Then, use static IP and DNS as shown below.
In Windows Terminal
Well, it’s possible to enable/disable DHCP via the Windows terminal if you prefer CLI over GUI. Before jumping into the dedicated command lines, we suggest checking whether this is turned on or off:
- Navigate to the start menu to search and launch Command Prompt or Powershell.
- Run the below command to list all the network adapters on your PC:
netsh interface ip show config
- Here, check the DHCP enabled field to identify if DHCP is turned on or off. For example, we are connected to the network via Wi-Fi. So, we will check the Wi-Fi adapter as shown below.
Enable DHCP
If the DHCP enabled field states No, here’s how you can enable it:
- In the terminal, execute the following command:
netsh interface ip set address "Wi-Fi” dhcp
- Now, run the below command and check the adapter to confirm that DHCP is now turned on:
netsh interface ip show config
Disable DHCP
If the DHCP enabled field shows Yes, here’s how you can disable it:
- Run the below command line in the terminal to set static IP addresses:
netsh interface ip set address "Wi-Fi" static [IP Address] [Subnet Mask] [Defaut Gateway]
- Then, execute the following to set the primary DNS server:
netsh interface ip set dnsserver "Wi-Fi" static [Static Address]
If you get the “The configured DNS server is incorrect or does not exist” error, copy and paste the below command to set it without DNS validation:
netsh interface ip set dnsserver "Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8 validate=no
- Finally, run the following command and check the adapter section to confirm that DHCP is now disabled:
netsh interface ip show config
From Router Settings
The final method to configure DHCP settings is from your router’s configuration page. Indeed, this is much more reliable and even applies to all the other devices on your network. Below are the involved steps that should help you enable/disable DHCP on any router:
- Open any web browser and run your router’s address to open the Router Configuration page.
- Now, input the username and password. If you’re unsure about this, contact your ISP.
- Once you’re logged in, navigate to DHCP > DHCP Settings or a relevant field. This can be distinct for different manufacturers.
- In the DHCP server, select the Enable option. Then, save this setting, and the DHCP should turn on.
- To disable the DHCP server, select Disable. Then, input both the Start and End IP addresses. Now, save the setting, and this should do your work.
This means they are assigned an IP address the next time they connect to the network and in fact they may get a completely different address the next time they connect.
Whether or not the device uses DHCP is a per-connection setting. In other words, if you disable DHCP for your wired connection, all wireless connections will continue to use DHCP until you do so.
Disable DHCP for a connection in Windows
To disable DHCP for connection in Windows you follow the steps listed below:
Step 1. Press the Win + X keys , then select Settings.
Step 2. Click on Network & Internet item .
Step 3. Click the network connection (wired or wireless) (such as Ethernet) that you want to configure, and then click the Properties button .
Step 4. In the connection details section, you will see the IP settings section . Click the Edit button which you will find there.
Step 5. In the Edit IP settings dialog box , the connection will most likely be configured as Automatic. Click the drop-down menu and change it to Manual.
Step 6. You should see two display toggle switches, one for IPv4 and one for IPv6. You can enable either or both, the procedure is the same for each option. For example will click the switch for IPv4.
Step 7. A series of new fields will appear. You will need to fill in these fields, including at least the IP address (which is of course the one you want the machine to have), the Subnet prefix length (this describes the class of the network, try 24 here and if that doesn’t work. dynamic, change to 16 ), Gateway (your router device address, most likely 192.168.0.1) and Preferred DNS (you can use the DNS provided by your ISP or try Google’s DNS if you don’t can be found: 8.8.8.8 ).
8. Click Save to make the changes.
Note : You can also set the same setting for the network connection from Control Panel> Networking and Sharing Center> Change adapter settings . Select the desired connection and click the Change settings of this connection button .
Then click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) option (but don’t uncheck the checkbox) and click the Properties button . This will give you a dialog box similar to the one you saw in Settings , in the «old» Windows style. Note that you can set IPv6 in the same way.
Re-enable DHCP in Windows
While disabling DHCP can be a bit tricky, re-enabling it is much easier.
Step 1. Go back to Settings> Network & Internet , and click the Properties button for the network connection.
Step 2. Click the Edit button in the IP settings section for the connection.
Step 3. The Edit IP settings dialog box will contain your previous configurations. Click the drop-down menu at the top of the dialog box and switch it from Manual back to Automatic.
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Disabling DHCP in Windows 10 can be achieved by configuring your network settings to use a static IP address. This process involves a few steps which will require accessing your network adapter settings and modifying the properties. By following the detailed steps below, you will be able to disable DHCP and set up a manual IP configuration on your Windows 10 system.
In this section, we’ll go through the steps needed to disable DHCP in Windows 10 and assign a static IP address. This will ensure your computer maintains the same IP address each time it connects to the network, which can be useful for network stability and device management.
Step 1: Open Network & Internet Settings
First, right-click on the network icon in your system tray, then select «Open Network & Internet settings.»
When you right-click on the network icon, you’ll see several options, but you want to choose the one that leads you to the settings for managing your network connections. This step helps you access the necessary settings to make changes to your network configuration.
Step 2: Access Adapter Options
Next, click on «Change adapter options» to view your network connections.
This option is located under the “Status” category in the Network & Internet settings. It shows all available network connections including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, letting you pick which one to configure.
Step 3: Open Adapter Properties
Right-click on your active network connection and select «Properties.»
In the properties menu, you can manage various settings related to your network adapter. This is where you’ll make the adjustments to disable DHCP and set a static IP address.
Step 4: Access TCP/IPv4 Settings
Scroll down in the list and double-click on «Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).»
This protocol is responsible for assigning IP addresses to your computer. Double-clicking on it will open a window where you can configure IP settings, like disabling DHCP.
Step 5: Set a Static IP Address
Select «Use the following IP address» and enter your desired static IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway. Also, fill in the «Use the following DNS server addresses» fields.
Choosing this option turns off DHCP, meaning your computer will use the static IP address you enter. Make sure the IP address is within your network’s range to avoid conflicts.
After you complete these steps, your computer will no longer obtain an IP address automatically from the DHCP server. Instead, it will use the static IP address you have entered.
Tips for Disabling DHCP in Windows 10
- Double-check your IP address settings to ensure they are correct and within your network’s range.
- Note down the original DHCP settings before making changes, in case you need to revert.
- Use a static IP that is not within the range of your DHCP server to avoid conflicts.
- Ensure you have the correct DNS server addresses; otherwise, you might experience connectivity issues.
- Restart your computer after making changes to ensure the settings take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DHCP?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Disabling it means you must manually set IP addresses.
Why would I want to disable DHCP?
You might disable DHCP to ensure consistent IP addresses for devices, which is useful for specific applications like remote server access.
Will disabling DHCP affect my internet connection?
If configured correctly, it should not affect your internet connection. However, incorrect settings can cause connectivity issues.
Can I re-enable DHCP if needed?
Yes, you can re-enable DHCP by following the steps again and selecting «Obtain an IP address automatically.»
What if I enter the wrong IP settings?
Incorrect IP settings can result in loss of network connectivity. Ensure you enter accurate information or revert to automatic settings if unsure.
Summary
- Open Network & Internet Settings.
- Access Adapter Options.
- Open Adapter Properties.
- Access TCP/IPv4 Settings.
- Set a Static IP Address.
Conclusion
Disabling DHCP in Windows 10 and setting a static IP address is a straightforward process that involves a few steps of network configuration. Whether for networking stability or device management reasons, knowing how to disable DHCP can be immensely valuable.
If you’re new to these settings, it can sound a bit daunting, but simply follow each step carefully. Make sure you have your IP settings handy, and remember you can always switch back to automatic settings if something goes wrong. For those interested in diving deeper, exploring network settings and configurations can uncover how your computer communicates within your local network and the broader internet.
Disabling DHCP isn’t just a task; it’s a skill that can enhance your understanding of network management. So give it a try, and see the difference it makes in your connectivity and network organization!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.
Read his full bio here.
How To Disable DHCP Client In Windows To Avoid Network Issues?
- Step 1: Click Run, then select cmd.
- Step 2:Execute: netsh interface ipv4 show inter.
- Step 3: Execute : netsh interface ipv4 set interface 11 dadtransmits=0 store=persistent.
- Step 4: Run: services.msc.
- How do I turn off DHCP in Windows 10?
- How do I disable DHCP enabled?
- How do I disable DHCP in Windows?
- What is disable DHCP?
- Should I disable DHCP?
- What are the 4 steps of DHCP?
- How do I change my DHCP settings?
- How do I change my static IP to DHCP?
- What is DHCP in WIFI?
- Why is DHCP not enabled?
- How do I fix DHCP?
How do I turn off DHCP in Windows 10?
How to Start and Stop the DHCP Service (Command Line)
- To start the DHCP service, type the following command: # /etc/init.d/dhcp start.
- To stop the DHCP service, type the following command: # /etc/init.d/dhcp stop. The DHCP daemon stops until it is manually started again, or the system reboots.
How do I disable DHCP enabled?
Please follow these steps in order to disable the DHCP server:
- Open your web browser, type the router? s IP address and press Enter. …
- To log in enter your username and password. …
- Go to Advanced Setup > LAN IP and DHCP Setting.
- Select the Disable box next to DHCP Server.
- Click Apply to save the settings.
How do I disable DHCP in Windows?
If you want to disable DHCP and manually define your network settings instead, select the Use the following IP address option. Then, enter the appropriate values for IP address, Subnet mask, and Default Gateway. Also, select the Use the following DNS server address option and enter a value for Preferred DNS server.
What is disable DHCP?
DHCP means Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol it is a service which assigns ip addresses automatically to devices which are connected in the network and requests for an ip. So if you disable DHCP in your router your devices will not get ip addresses and they will not be able to communicate in the network.
Should I disable DHCP?
DHCP means dynamic host configuration protocol; it hands out IP addresses for devices in your network. Unless you are going to configure each device manually, or you have a second DHCP server you should leave this option on.
What are the 4 steps of DHCP?
DHCP operations fall into four phases: server discovery, IP lease offer, IP lease request, and IP lease acknowledgement. These stages are often abbreviated as DORA for discovery, offer, request, and acknowledgement. The DHCP operation begins with clients broadcasting a request.
How do I change my DHCP settings?
To enable DHCP or change other TCP/IP settings
- Select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet .
- Do one of the following: For a Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. …
- Under IP assignment, select Edit.
- Under Edit IP settings, select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual. …
- When you’re done, select Save.
How do I change my static IP to DHCP?
Solution
- Go to Settings, click on Network & Internet then WiFi.
- Tap on the network you are currently connected to to open the settings menu.
- Tap on the pencil icon in the top right to access the network settings.
- Tap Advanced Options.
- Under IP Settings, change it from DHCP to Static.
What is DHCP in WIFI?
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks, thus allowing them to use network services such as DNS, NTP, and any communication protocol based on UDP or TCP. … DHCP is an enhancement of an older protocol called BOOTP.
Why is DHCP not enabled?
Users experience the error message ‘DHCP is not enabled for Ethernet’ when they troubleshoot their not working internet connection through the Windows troubleshooter. … This error usually occurs when you have manually assigned your computer an IP address and subnet mask.
How do I fix DHCP?
How to Fix DHCP Errors
- Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. The easiest way to fix internet connection issues is by letting Windows automatically fix the internet settings. …
- Check the DHCP adapter settings. …
- Check the DHCP router settings. …
- Contact IT support.
If the DHCP feature in Windows 10 is causing problems or creating road-blocks, you can disable it pretty easily. Here’re the steps to disable DHCP in Windows 10.
In the Windows operating system, the DHCP function is enabled by default. The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function is responsible for assigning the IP addresses to all the devices on a network. So, when you are connected to a network, like in the home or office, your computer gets its IP address via the DHCP protocol. One of the key features of DHCP is its ability to assign dynamic IP addresses. i.e, every time you connect or reconnect to a network, you might get a completely different IP address. This dynamic allocation removes the need for manually assigning the IP addresses and reduces the chances of IP address conflicts. Put simply, the DHCP functionality is pretty useful in day to day situation.
If you want a specific IP address, you need to manually disable DHCP in Windows 10 and then configure Windows to get a static IP address. Not to mention, if the DHCP is causing problems in your network connections, like when sharing folders or connecting to and from a server, it is better to disable the DHCP completely. You can manually configure all the IP settings directly from the Windows 10 network manager.
In this quick and simple guide, let me show the steps to fully disable the DHCP functionality in Windows 10.
You can disable DHCP from the settings app in Windows 10. Here are the steps to follow.
- Right-click on the network icon on the taskbar.
- Select the “Open Network & Internet Settings” option.
- In the currently active network screen, click on the “Properties” button under the network connection.
- Here, click the “Edit” button under the “IP Settings / IP Assignment” section.
- Select “Manual” from the drop-down menu.
- Turn on the “IPv4” option.
- Now, fill in the details of the IP address, Subnet prefix length, Gateway, and preferred DNS address.
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Close the Settings app.
- Restart Windows 10.
That is it. You’ve successfully disabled DHCP in Windows 10. If you ever want to enable DHCP back, simply follow the same steps but select the “Automatic (DHCP)” option in steps 5 and ignore the after steps.
Important Notes:
- Each network connection has its own DHCP settings. If you want to disable DHCP on all network interfaces, you have to follow the steps for each one individually. For example, if your system has both WiFi and Ethernet, you have to configure DHCP for both of them individually.
- You can get the Static IP details from your ISP, network administrator, or from the router config page.
- For “Subnet prefix length”, try “24” or “16”. You can learn more about subnet prefix length from this Cisco page.
- When configuring static IP on a local network, make sure there are no duplicates.
- For preferred DNS, you can either use the DNS supplied by your ISP or public DNS services like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).
- If you are using IPv6 then enable the IPv6 option in step 6 and configure it accordingly.
That is all. I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.