DacatDHCP
DacatDHCP pairs an IPv4 DHCP service with a web management interface for configuring address pools, viewing leases, and checking service status.
What DacatDHCP is
DacatDHCP pairs an IPv4 DHCP service with a web management interface for configuring address pools, viewing leases, and checking service status. The lightweight, single-file application bundles the service and interface. Users can select a network interface and set address ranges, gateway, DNS, and lease duration; the interface shows assigned addresses and client information. The latest release adds fixed MAC-to-IP mappings with matching logs. The main version supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016 or later on Windows amd64. The interface works in Edge, Chrome, and other modern Chromium-based browsers, but not Internet Explorer 11. It listens only on 127.0.0.1, and write endpoints use CSRF and origin checks. Administrator privileges are required. DacatDHCP is permanently free and open source under the Apache License 2.0. It is intended for labs, temporary LANs, small networks, troubleshooting, and isolated networks. Address pools must match the selected interface’s subnet; leases are held in memory and are not restored after restart.
Good
- Combines DHCP service and web management in one file.
- Configures gateway, DNS, ranges, and lease duration.
- Includes fixed MAC-to-IP mappings and matching logs.
- Permanently free and open source.
Watch out
- IPv4 only; IPv6 and DHCPv6 are unsupported.
- Requires administrator privileges.
- Leases are not restored after restart.
- Address pools must match the interface subnet.
Who it suits
DacatDHCP suits Windows users setting up DHCP for labs, temporary LANs, small networks, or isolated networks. It may also fit device troubleshooting where IPv4 DHCP is sufficient.
Verdict
DacatDHCP offers a focused, free DHCP service for compatible Windows environments. Its IPv4-only scope, subnet requirement, and in-memory leases are important limits to consider.
Plans and prices
From DacatDHCP's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Official version | Free | Windows amd64 · IPv4 DHCP only · local DHCP service · Official version is permanently free. |
The facts
Each one read from DacatDHCP's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Browser support
- The management interface supports Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and other modern Chromium-based browsers; Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Platform
- The main version supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016 or later, with Windows amd64 releases.checked 4 Oct 2026
What it does
- Deployment
- It is delivered as a lightweight single-file application with its service and management interface bundled together.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Features
- It supports network-interface selection and configuration of address ranges, gateway, DNS, and lease duration.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The maker describes it for labs, test environments, temporary LANs, small networks, device troubleshooting, and isolated networks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Lease management
- The interface can show assigned addresses and client information, and the latest release adds MAC-to-IP fixed mappings with matching logs.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Lease persistence
- The v1.0.0 release notes say leases are held in memory and are not restored after restart, and that active IP-conflict detection is not provided.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The v1.0.0 release is published under the Apache License 2.0.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limits
- It focuses on IPv4 DHCP and does not currently support IPv6 or DHCPv6.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Network scope
- The address pool must be in the same subnet as the selected network interface; the product does not support cross-subnet address pools.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- Running the application requires administrator privileges.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DacatDHCP combines a DHCP service with a web management interface for configuring address pools, viewing leases, and monitoring service status.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The management interface listens only on 127.0.0.1, and write endpoints use CSRF and origin checks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support and source
- The maker directs users to GitHub for source code, releases, documentation, and issue feedback.checked 4 Oct 2026
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