WINDOWS SERVICE
Dhcp: DHCP Client
Registers and updates IP addresses and DNS records for this computer.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Service name | Dhcp |
|---|---|
| Display name | DHCP Client |
| Runs from | C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe |
| Command line | svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p |
| Runs as | LocalService |
| Verdict | Leave it alone |
| Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 guidance | No guidance |
Paths, signer and service account observed on Windows 11 build 26300 on 11 November 2026. Run the commands below to check your own PC.
Should you touch it?
Leave it aloneMicrosoft states that if it is stopped, the computer does not receive dynamic IP addresses and DNS updates, and that services which explicitly depend on it cannot start if it is disabled. Its guidance for Windows 10 and 11 IoT Enterprise rates it Don't disable.
What PC Tweaker does with it
PC Tweaker does not change this service. No control in the catalogue stops it, disables it or edits its start type.
Check it yourself
See its state and start type
PowerShellGet-Service Dhcp | Format-List Name, DisplayName, Status, StartType sc qc Dhcp
Common questions
What does the Dhcp service do?
Registers and updates IP addresses and DNS records for this computer. It runs C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe (svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p) as LocalService.
Can I disable Dhcp?
Leave it alone. Microsoft states that if it is stopped, the computer does not receive dynamic IP addresses and DNS updates, and that services which explicitly depend on it cannot start if it is disabled. Its guidance for Windows 10 and 11 IoT Enterprise rates it Don't disable.
I use a static IP address. Can I disable the DHCP Client?
Leave it. On Windows 11 build 26300 the services that depend on it include WinHttpAutoProxySvc, which Microsoft says anything using the network stack can depend on, Wcmsvc (Windows Connection Manager), WlanSvc and iphlpsvc. Microsoft notes that services which explicitly depend on a disabled service cannot start.
How do I check that it is the real service?
On build 26300 it ran in its own svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p process as LocalService and loaded C:\Windows\System32\dhcpcore.dll, signed by Microsoft Windows. ipconfig /all shows whether each adapter has DHCP enabled and when its lease was obtained.