Configure Multiple DHCP Scopes with PowerShell (Step-by-Step Guide)

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a critical service in any Windows Server environment. It automatically assigns IP addresses and other TCP/IP configuration details to client devices, reducing manual work for administrators.

In this guide, we’ll configure a DHCP server using PowerShell and create multiple scopes (pools) for different departments like HR, IT, and Admin.

In this guide, we will configure a DHCP server with three scopes:

• HR Department → 192.168.1.0/24
• IT Department → 192.168.2.0/24
• Admin Department → 192.168.3.0/24

All DHCP options (DNS, Router, and Domain Name) will also be set with PowerShell.

Step 1: Install the DHCP Server Role

First, install the DHCP Server role on your Windows Server.

Install-WindowsFeature -Name 'DHCP' -IncludeManagementTools

Authorize the DHCP server in Active Directory:

Add-DhcpServerInDC -DnsName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com" -IPAddress 192.168.10.254

Step 2: Create DHCP Security Group

DHCP requires security groups for proper access.

Add-DhcpServerSecurityGroup

Step 3: Create Multiple DHCP Scopes

Now, let’s create three separate scopes for HR, IT, and Admin departments.

HR Department Scope

Add-DhcpServerv4Scope `
    -Name "HR Scope" `
    -StartRange 192.168.1.100 `
    -EndRange 192.168.1.150 `
    -SubnetMask 255.255.255.0 `
    -LeaseDuration 8:00:00 `
    -State Active `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

IT Department Scope

Add-DhcpServerv4Scope `
    -Name "IT Scope" `
    -StartRange 192.168.2.160 `
    -EndRange 192.168.2.200 `
    -SubnetMask 255.255.255.0 `
    -LeaseDuration 8:00:00 `
    -State Active `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

Admin Department Scope

Add-DhcpServerv4Scope `
    -Name "Admin Scope" `
    -StartRange 192.168.3.210 `
    -EndRange 192.168.3.230 `
    -SubnetMask 255.255.255.0 `
    -LeaseDuration 8:00:00 `
    -State Active `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

Step 4: Configure DHCP Options for Each Scope

We will configure:

• DNS Domain: mypracticelab.com
• DNS Servers: 192.168.10.254, 192.168.10.253
• Router (Gateway): first usable IP of each subnet

HR Scope Options

Set-DhcpServerv4OptionValue `
    -ScopeId 192.168.1.0 `
    -DnsDomain "mypracticelab.com" `
    -DnsServer 192.168.10.254,192.168.10.253 `
    -Router 192.168.1.1 `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

IT Scope Options

Set-DhcpServerv4OptionValue `
    -ScopeId 192.168.2.0 `
    -DnsDomain "mypracticelab.com" `
    -DnsServer 192.168.10.254,192.168.10.253 `
    -Router 192.168.2.1 `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

Admin Scope Options

Set-DhcpServerv4OptionValue `
    -ScopeId 192.168.3.0 `
    -DnsDomain "mypracticelab.com" `
    -DnsServer 192.168.10.254,192.168.10.253 `
    -Router 192.168.3.1 `
    -ComputerName "DHCP.mypracticelab.com"

Step 5: Verify DHCP Scopes and Options

Get-DhcpServerv4Scope -ComputerName "DC1.mypracticelab.com"
Get-DhcpServerv4OptionValue -ScopeId 192.168.1.0
Get-DhcpServerv4OptionValue -ScopeId 192.168.2.0
Get-DhcpServerv4OptionValue -ScopeId 192.168.3.0

Conclusion

With just a few PowerShell commands, we successfully configured a Windows DHCP Server with multiple scopes (HR, IT, Admin), each with its own IP range and gateway. Automating DHCP setup using PowerShell saves time and reduces configuration errors.