Configuring DHCP on your Computer or Laptop

Depending on your network configuration, you may need to setup your computer to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) in order to get an IP Address on your network.

Here are the instructions on how to configure DHCP on all common operating systems.

Windows 10

To enable DHCP or change other TCP/IP settings

1. Select Start , then select Settings  > Network & Internet .
2. Do one of the following:
   • For a Wi-Fi network, select Wi-Fi  > Manage known networks. Choose the network you want to change the settings for, then select Properties.
   • For an Ethernet network, select Ethernet, then select the Ethernet network you’re connected to.
3. Under IP assignment, select Edit.
4. Under Edit IP settings, select Automatic (DHCP) or Manual.
   1. To specify IPv4 settings manually
      1. Under Edit IP settings, choose Manual, then turn on IPv4.
      2. To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
      3. To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
   2. To specify IPv6 settings manually
      1. Under Edit IP settings, choose Manual, then turn on IPv6.
      2. To specify an IP address, in the IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
      3. To specify a DNS server address, in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
   • When you select Automatic (DHCP), the IP address settings and DNS server address setting are set automatically by your router or other access point (recommended).
   • When you select Manual, you can manually set your IP address settings and DNS server address.
5. When you’re done, select Save.

Windows 8.1 or Windows 7

To enable DHCP or change other TCP/IP settings

1. Do one of the following:
   • In Windows 8.1, select the Start button, start typing View network connections, and then select View network connections in the list.
   • In Windows 7, open Network Connections by selecting the Start button, and then selecting Control Panel. In the search box, type adapter, and then, under Network and Sharing Center, select View network connections.
2. Right-click the connection that you want to change, and then select Properties. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Select the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items, select either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and then select Properties.
4. To specify IPv4 IP address settings, do one of the following:
   • To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IP address automatically, and then select OK.
   • To specify an IP address, select Use the following IP address, and then, in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
5. To specify IPv6 IP address settings, do one of the following:
   • To get IP settings automatically using DHCP, select Obtain an IPv6 address automatically, and then select OK.
   • To specify an IP address, select Use the following IPv6 address, and then, in the IPv6 address, Subnet prefix length, and Default gateway boxes, type the IP address settings.
6. To specify DNS server address settings, do one of the following:
   • To get a DNS server address automatically using DHCP, select Obtain DNS server address automatically, and then select OK.
   • To specify a DNS server address, select Use the following DNS server addresses, and then, in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server boxes, type the addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
7. To change advanced DNS, WINS, and IP settings, select Advanced.

Apple MacOS

Follow these steps to enter your IP address or have it assigned automatically.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Network.
2. Select the network connection you want to use (such as Ethernet) in the list.
3. Click the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu, then choose an option:
   • If your address will be assigned automatically, choose Using DHCP.
   • If your ISP or administrator gave you an IP address, choose Manually and enter the address in the IP Address field. Your ISP most likely gave you additional information such as the subnet mask, router, and Domain Name System (DNS) server address. Enter the subnet mask and router in the labeled fields. To enter the DNS server address, click Advanced, click DNS, then click the Add button  and enter the address.