On a Windows client, how can you display the DHCP server address from which the machine obtained its IP configuration?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Use IPCONFIG/ALL

Explanation:


Introduction:
When troubleshooting dynamic addressing, technicians often need to confirm the identity of the DHCP server that leased an address to a Windows host. The command-line provides a concise, authoritative view. This question seeks the correct method to view that server address.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Windows operating system environment.
  • The client is configured for DHCP or has a DHCP lease history.
  • We want to view the DHCP server address specifically.


Concept / Approach:
The ipconfig /all output enumerates per-adapter details including DHCP Enabled status, DHCP Server, Lease Obtained, and Lease Expires. This output is the standard artifact requested in support tickets.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Open Command Prompt with appropriate privileges.2) Run ipconfig /all and locate the active adapter.3) Read the “DHCP Server” field to identify the leasing server.


Verification / Alternative check:
Network engineers routinely ask for this output to validate DHCP scope, options, and server identity across Windows versions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Advanced Properties: GUI does not always expose the server address directly and varies by version.
  • DHCPINFO: not a standard Windows utility.
  • Ping the DHCP server: requires knowing the address already; not a discovery method.
  • None of the above: incorrect because ipconfig /all is valid.


Common Pitfalls:
Looking at the wrong adapter (e.g., virtual NICs); ignoring that a statically configured adapter will not show DHCP fields.


Final Answer:
Use IPCONFIG/ALL.

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