DHCP Configuration

Azure VM Setup (DHCP Lab)

In this step, you’ll create a single Windows Server virtual machine using the Azure Portal. This VM will be used later to install and test the DHCP Server role.

Before you start

  • You need an Azure account (portal.azure.com) with an active subscription (paid or free trial)
  • All resources in this lab are very cheap if you shut them down properly
  • You’ll be using the Azure Portal, not CLI or IaC

Step 0: Open the Azure Portal

  1. Open a browser and go to https://portal.azure.com
  2. Sign in with your Azure account
  3. Make sure you’re in the correct subscription (top-right corner)

Step 1: Create a Resource Group

  1. In the Azure Portal search bar, type Resource groups
  2. Click Create
  3. Set the following:
    • Name: rg-dhcp-lab
    • Region: choose one region and stick with it
  4. Click Review + create, then Create

Step 2: Create a Virtual Network

  1. In the Azure Portal search bar, type Virtual networks
  2. Click Create
  3. On the Basics tab:
    • Resource group: rg-dhcp-lab
    • Name: vnet-dhcp-lab
    • Region: same region as the resource group
  4. On the IP addresses tab:
    • Leave the default address space
    • Use the default subnet (no extra subnets needed)
  5. Click Review + create, then Create

You only need one VNet and one subnet for this lab.

Step 3: Create the Windows Server VM

  1. In the Azure Portal search bar, type Virtual machines
  2. Click Create → Azure virtual machine
  3. On the Basics tab, set:
    • Resource group: rg-dhcp-lab
    • Virtual machine name: dc1
    • Image: Windows Server (latest available)
    • Size: small burstable (example: Standard_B2s)
    • Authentication: username and password
  4. On the Networking tab:
    • Virtual network: vnet-dhcp-lab
    • Subnet: default
    • Public inbound ports: Allow selected ports
    • Inbound ports: RDP (3389)
    • Source: My IP
  5. Click Review + create, then Create

Step 4: RDP into the VM

  1. Open the dc1 virtual machine in the portal
  2. Click Connect → RDP
  3. Download the RDP file and sign in

Cost Control (Important)

  • When you’re done, stop the VM from the Azure Portal
  • Confirm the VM status shows Deallocated
  • Delete rg-dhcp-lab when the lab is finished

If the VM is not deallocated, Azure will continue charging you.

Next Step

Step 12: Install the DHCP Server role.