A DHCP Error Is Annoying, but It's Easy to Fix (2024)

Troubleshoot DHCP errors on Windows

By

Ryan Dube

A DHCP Error Is Annoying, but It's Easy to Fix (1)

Writer

  • University of Maine

Ryan Dube is a freelance contributor to Lifewire and former Managing Editor of MakeUseOf, senior IT Analyst, and an automation engineer.

Updated on August 26, 2024

In This Article

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In This Article

  • How to Fix DHCP Errors
  • Causes of DHCP Errors
  • Frequently Asked Questions

A DHCP error means the server on your network that provides an Internet Protocol address for devices isn't able to assign your computer an IP address. Because the DHCP setting can break the internet connection, the error can appear in many forms, but the end result is that you can't access the internet.

Instructions in this article apply to all Windows 10 PCs.

How to Fix DHCP Errors

Try these steps until the DHCP error is resolved:

  1. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. The easiest way to fix internet connection issues is by letting Windows automatically fix the internet settings. Right-click the network connection icon in the Windows taskbar and select Troubleshoot problems. The network troubleshooter identifies any settings that may cause an internet connection problem. If the DHCP settings caused the error, select Apply this fix to apply any suggested changes.

  2. Check the DHCP adapter settings. The DHCP server or router on the network should automatically assign the computer an IP address by default. Still, this option can be disabled, so look in the network adapter settings to make sure it's enabled.

  3. Check the DHCP router settings. On a home network, DHCP settings in the router manage the IP addresses of devices on the network. Verify that the DHCP beginning and ending addresses match the gateway address.

  4. Contact IT support. On a typical corporate network, a DNS server manages the IP address of devices on the network. All DHCP settings are managed by an IT department. When you have network connection issues, contact your IT help desk.

Causes of DHCP Errors

Two things can cause a DHCP error. One is the configuration on the computer or device that allows a DHCP server to assign it an IP. The other is the configuration of the DHCP server.

DHCP errors occur when the DHCP server or router on a network cannot automatically adjust the device's IP address to join the network. This results in a network connection error when you access the internet with a web browser.

What makes DHCP errors so difficult to troubleshoot is that the error message doesn't always include any mention of DHCP.

FAQ

  • How can I fix the DHCP error on my Kindle Fire HDX?

    The easiest way to fix this is to change the IP type from dynamic to static. Go to Settings > WiFi > press and hold the network you are connected to and select Modify Network. Select Show advanced > Set IP Settings to Static.

  • How do I fix a DHCP failure on my Chromebook?

    The most common reason for a DHCP failure is an outdated OS on your Chromebook. To check for updates, go to Time > Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for Updates.

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A DHCP Error Is Annoying, but It's Easy to Fix (2024)

FAQs

How do I get rid of DHCP error? ›

How to Fix DHCP Errors
  1. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. The easiest way to fix internet connection issues is by letting Windows automatically fix the internet settings. ...
  2. Check the DHCP adapter settings. ...
  3. Check the DHCP router settings. ...
  4. Contact IT support.
Aug 26, 2024

Why do bad addresses in DHCP keep coming back? ›

This can be caused because a device actually has the IP legitimately like manually configured, or maybe because the DHCP lease table was lost and an end device still has the IP from an old lease. It can also occur because you have some device that's pretending to be other IP addresses as a proxy of some kind.

How to fix DHCP problems? ›

For DHCP clients, check the following devices and settings:
  1. Cables are connected and working.
  2. MAC filtering is enabled on the switches to which the client is connected.
  3. The network adapter is enabled.
  4. The correct network adapter driver is installed and updated.
  5. The DHCP Client service is started and running.
Aug 9, 2024

How to resolve a DHCP bad address? ›

So the solution will be to turn off all devices on the network, laptops and phones. Clear the BAD_ADDRESS flags and then one by one turn the devices back on and check after each device. I'm guessing you'll find a laptop or phone that is connecting to your internal network and has tethering turned on.

How do I clean up my DHCP? ›

The DHCP service will automatically clean up expired leases. However, if you wish to force a cleanup manually, do the following: - Right-click your scope in DHCP Manager and select "Clean Up Expired Registrations in DNS" to sync and clear invalid entries in DNS (if dynamic DNS updates are configured).

Is disabling DHCP good? ›

Disabling DHCP secures the network by preventing merchants or unknown third parties from plugging unauthorized computers or devices into the network. Note: Disabling DHCP will disconnect all store computers and peripheral devices from the network.

What is the root cause of DHCP failure? ›

DHCP may fail to configure the client properly, either because DHCP could not communicate with a server, or because, although configuration responses were received, they were incorrect. Problems can also occur later in the life of a DHCP lease if the client cannot renew its IP addresses.

How do I force a new DHCP? ›

Windows:
  1. Open a Command Prompt: Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type: ipconfig /renew. If issuing just the renew command doesn't work, try the following: ipconfig /release. - then - ipconfig /renew.
  3. Your computer will release it's IP address and obtain a new IP.

How do I resolve a DHCP conflict? ›

Turn off the DHCP client computer in conflict with the network device that has the static IP address. On the DHCP server, exclude the static IP address from the scope of the DHCP IP address range. Restart the DHCP client computer.

What is the weakness of DHCP? ›

4 Compatibility problems

A fourth drawback of using DHCP for static devices is that it may create compatibility problems. For example, some devices may not support DHCP or may have specific requirements for their IP configuration, such as subnet mask, gateway, or DNS server.

Can I delete DHCP bad address? ›

To release the "bad addresses", log into your DHCP server, find the DHCP subnet in question, select all of the "BAD_ADDRESS" entries and delete them. The access-points should immediately reacquire an IP address and rejoin the controller. Labels: Networking.

What causes a DHCP decline? ›

On the other hand, a DHCP decline takes place when a device refuses the IP address offered by the DHCP server, usually because it senses that the address is already in use by another device on the network.

How do I reset my DHCP? ›

Windows:
  1. Open a Command Prompt: Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type: ipconfig /renew. If issuing just the renew command doesn't work, try the following: ipconfig /release. - then - ipconfig /renew.
  3. Your computer will release it's IP address and obtain a new IP.

What does DHCP error mean? ›

A DHCP error means the server on your network that provides an Internet Protocol (IP) adress for devices is not able to assign your device an IP adress.

How do I clear a DHCP conflict? ›

Usage guidelines. Address conflicts occur when dynamically assigned IP addresses have been statically configured for other hosts. After the conflicts are resolved, you can use the reset dhcp server conflict command to clear conflict information so that the conflicted addresses can be assigned to clients.

How to find where DHCP is coming from? ›

To display DHCP configuration information:
  1. Open a command prompt.
  2. Use ipconfig /all to display all IP configuration information.
  3. Observe whether you have any network adapters that are DHCP Enabled. If so, identify your DHCP Server, when it shows Lease Obtained, and when it shows Lease Expires.
Jul 30, 2022

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