Top 5 Ways to Fix Unable to Contact Your DHCP Server Error on Windows 10

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses. It also distributes the network configuration to all connected devices such as DNS server, subnet mask and default gateway. But often, an error can appear when renewing, releasing or renting an IP address. If you get the error Cannot communicate with your DHCP server on Windows 10, try these fixes.

A DHCP server allows network configuration of newly connected devices without setting static independent IP addresses. Instead, the process is automated as it communicates with the DHCP server and network interface controller, often to renew and release addresses.

Unfortunately, the lack of communication between protocols can interrupt internet access. If you can no longer surf the internet due to the error of not being able to communicate with your DHCP server, here are some solutions.

1. Register Your DNS

Sometimes starting a manual dynamic registration for DNS name and IP address can fix the error. You can do this by registering your DNS using a command prompt.

Stage 1: Medicine cmd In the Windows search bar and on the right, select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type this command and press Enter

ipconfig /registerdns

Stage 3: Restart your computer and confirm if the error is resolved. If not, try other fixes.

2. Restart Your DHCP Server

The error may occur if DHCP has stopped or your system is unable to connect to the service. To resolve this, restart your DHCP client service.

Stage 1: Press Windows + R keys, type services.msc In the Run dialog and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate the DHCP client option, right-click on it and select Properties.

Stage 3: Stop the services state.

Step 4: Set the startup type to Automatic.

Step 5: Click the Start button, click OK, and then click Apply to update the changes.

3. Reset TCP/IP

Resetting the Winsock and IP stack is another viable solution for the error. Follow these steps to reset TCP/IP.

Stage 1: Type cmd in Windows search bar and click Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Type the commands below and press Enter after each one.

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

Stage 3: Restart your computer and see if the error is cleared.

4. Update and Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated and outdated drivers are a common cause of failure to communicate with your DHCP server. Updating your system will release newer versions that support your network protocol. Reinstalling the network drivers will help you identify the correct drivers for your device.

Stage 1: Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device manager.

Step 2: Find network adapters and expand the list. Select the problematic network adapter and click Update driver.

Stage 3: Tap Search automatically for updated driver software. And restart your PC after the process is complete.

Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall the problematic driver. Here’s how you can do that.

Stage 1: In the Network adapters option, select Uninstall device.

Step 2: Confirm the action by tapping on Uninstall.

Stage 3: Click Scan for hardware changes at the top of the screen.

Wait for Windows to complete the process, then restart your device.

To add to that, consider reverting to a version that was previously running on your computer. Here’s how you can do that.

Stage 1: Go to the problematic network adapter, right click on it and select Properties.

Step 2: Select the Driver tab and locate the Roll Back Driver option and click on it. Press OK.

Note: If the option is grayed out, there is no backup file because the driver has not been updated recently.

5. Turn off IPv6

The error also occurs if IPv6 is enabled and there is no local network to connect to. To fix this problem, disable IPv6.

Stage 1: Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Medicine ncpa.cpl in the search box, then press Enter.

Stage 3: Find the internet connection you are using and right-click it. Then tap Properties.

Step 4: On the Networking tab, uncheck Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and click OK to update the changes.

Restart your computer and confirm if the error appears.

Browse Seamlessly

A properly functioning DHCP server saves time and money. It provides a continuous flow of activity with IP addresses dynamically assigned to new and old devices. Each unique IP address assigned to a device provides seamless browsing with seamless connectivity and better productivity.