[Fixed] Unable To Contact Your DHCP Server

The “Unable to Contact Your DHCP Server” error typically means your device has trouble obtaining an IP address from the network’s DHCP server OR while renewing interface ethernet. This issue can stem from router misconfigurations, network problems, or DHCP server errors. This post will explain how you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue with step-by-step solutions, including updating the network drivers, checking DHCP settings, and resetting your network configurations.

Why is DHCP Server not Reachable

1. Outdated Network Drivers.
2. Temporary glitch with DHCP client service.
3. DNS not registered
4. Issues with TCP/IP Configuration.
5. IPv6 conflicts.

How To Fix The “Unable To Contact Your DHCP Server” Error

The “can’t reach the DHCP server” error is mainly due to driver issues. We will begin with the driver troubleshooting steps, followed by a few methods for changing Windows Settings using a few commands in the Command Prompt. Without delay, let us begin.

Method 1 – Update Drivers

The first step to fix the Error is to update the network drivers. We recommend using Advanced Driver Updater, which will identify and fix all the driver anomalies with a few mouse clicks. Here are the steps.

1. Download and Install the Advanced Driver Updater app using the Download button.

2. Launch the software and click on the Start Scan Now button.

3. Wait for the app to scan all the drivers on your PC.

4. A list of driver issues will be presented on your screen.

5. Click on the Update link next to the Network Driver and wait for the driver updating process to complete.

Method 2 – Rollback The Network Driver

If updating the driver does not fix the issue, then it means that the network driver has already been updated to the latest version. In this case, experts suggest that you roll back the drivers to the previous version. Here are the steps to roll back the drivers.

1. Press Win + X to open the Windows Power Menu and choose Device Manager.

2. In the Device Manager window, click on Network Adapters to expand the dropdown.

3. Locate your network driver and right-click on it to open the context menu.

4. Choose Properties and click on the Driver tab.

5. Now click on the Rollback Driver button and follow the instructions on the screen.

6. If the Rollback driver button is greyed out, click the Uninstall Device button.

7. Adhere to the onscreen instructions to remove the device from your system.

8. Reboot your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers for you.

9. Check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 3 – Reboot The DHCP Client Service

If drivers are not to be blamed, we could focus on the Windows Services. Every task in Windows OS has a related service to it. We need to toggle the service to fix this issue. Here is what you need to do –

1. Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type Services.msc, followed by the OK button.

2. In the Services window, you will find all the services listed alphabetically. Click on any service and press the “D” key to bring the selection down to services beginning with” D.”

3. Locate the DHCP Client Service and right-click on it to select Properties from the context menu.

4. Ensure the Startup Type is set to Automatic.

5. Click on the Stop button and wait for 30 seconds before clicking on the Start button.

6. Click on Apply and OK.

7. Exit the Services window and check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 4 – Register The DNS

Moving on, let’s register DNS using a Command prompt. In some cases, doing so has helped fix the “ipconfig /renew returns Unable to Contact DHCP” error on Windows PC. Here are the steps-

1. Press Windows + R to open the RUN box, type “cmd,” and press the CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER keys to open the command prompt in elevated mode.

2. In the command prompt window, type the following command followed by Enter.

 ipconfig /registerdns

3. Exit all the open windows and reboot your PC.

Method 5 – Reset The Configuration Related To TCP/IP

1. Press the Win + S to open the Search box and type cmd.

2. Click on the Run As Administrator option under Command Prompt.

3. Once the Command Prompt opens in elevated mode, type the following commands individually, each followed by the Enter key.

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

4. Reboot your PC.

Method 6 – Turn Off IPv6

The error can also occur if IPv6 is enabled on your internet connection and you lack a local gateway to connect. To check if this is the cause, try disabling IPv6 on your active connection. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Right-click on your active internet connection and select Properties.

3. In the Networking tab, uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and click OK.

4. Reboot your PC and check if IPv6 is the culprit.

“Unable To Reach Your DHCP Server” Error – Fixed

In conclusion, if you’ve encountered this error, it’s essential to troubleshoot various potential causes, such as network misconfigurations, DHCP server issues, or device-specific problems. With these fixes, you should be able to restore your device’s ability to connect to the network and obtain an IP address from the DHCP server.

FAQs

What Is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It’s a network protocol used by devices (clients) on a network to automatically receive IP addresses and other necessary configuration information from a DHCP server.

What Is A DHCP Server?

The DHCP client connects to a DHCP server on the network (often a router, Windows Server, Linux server, or network appliance). The DHCP server assigns dynamic IP addresses and provides other configuration settings to devices requesting them.

How do I reset my DHCP IP address?

To reset the DHCP IP address, open the command prompt in Admin mode, type “ipconfig /release” command, and press the Enter key. Next, type “ipconfig /renew” followed by Enter key.