How Can Administrators Fix Critical DHCP Failures in Windows Server 2016-2025?

Why Are Windows Server DHCP Services Crashing After June 2025 Updates?

Microsoft confirmed a critical DHCP Server service failure affecting Windows Server systems following the June 2025 security updates. The issue impacts multiple Windows Server versions, causing significant network disruptions across enterprise environments worldwide.

Critical DHCP Service Failures Across Windows Server Versions

The problematic updates affect all major Windows Server editions currently in production:

• Windows Server 2016 (KB5061010)
• Windows Server 2019 (KB5060531)
• Windows Server 2022 (KB5060526)
• Windows Server 2025 (KB5060842)

Microsoft acknowledged that “the DHCP Server service might intermittently stop responding after installing this security update,” which directly impacts IP renewal capabilities for client devices.

Immediate Impact on Network Infrastructure

The DHCP service failures manifest within 20-50 seconds after server startup, causing cascading network connectivity issues. Organizations experience:

• Complete loss of IP address assignment for new devices joining the network
• Inability to renew existing IP leases, forcing devices offline
• Network authentication failures affecting Active Directory and domain services
• Disrupted internet connectivity across entire business units

System administrators report that DHCP clients lose their leases immediately after patch installation, creating widespread connectivity problems in corporate environments. One administrator noted: “DHCP clients lose their leases. We are not running DHCP on our DCs, for what that’s worth. Server 2022”.

Technical Root Cause Analysis

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server service automatically assigns IP addresses and network configurations to devices, forming the foundation of modern enterprise network management. When this service fails, devices cannot:

• Obtain initial IP address assignments
• Renew expiring network leases
• Access network resources including file servers and internet connectivity
• Maintain stable connections to domain controllers

The bug appears to stem from conflicts within the updated security protocols affecting the DHCP service implementation across all Windows Server versions.

Immediate Workaround Solutions

Until Microsoft releases the permanent fix, administrators can implement these temporary measures:

• Uninstall the problematic update and restart the server to restore DHCP functionality
• Monitor DHCP services closely on all affected servers
• Plan for emergency server reboots when DHCP failures occur
• Defer update installations on test systems until the issue resolves

Microsoft confirmed they are “working on releasing a resolution in the coming days” and will provide standalone update patches (.msu files) through the Update Catalog for manual installation.

Historical Context of Windows Server Update Issues

This DHCP failure represents part of a concerning pattern of Windows Server update problems. Recent months have seen:

• May 2025: Hyper-V virtual machine restart and freeze issues
• April 2025: Authentication problems on domain controllers
• Previous incidents: Windows container launch failures and domain controller connectivity issues

The frequency of critical update regressions has prompted administrators to question the reliability of Microsoft’s patch testing processes.

Enterprise Risk Mitigation Strategies

Organizations should implement comprehensive update management protocols:

• Staged deployment of security updates across test environments first
• Backup DHCP servers to maintain network continuity during failures
• Automated monitoring of critical network services post-update
• Rapid rollback procedures for problematic patches

The widespread nature of this DHCP issue affects organizations ranging from small businesses to multinational enterprises, highlighting the critical importance of robust patch management strategies in maintaining network stability.