What happens when WDS and DNS is installed on the same server: DNS issues with WDS

When WDS and DNS running on the same server may introduce some problems. This happens when the DNS is installed first.

The DNS service binds to all ports needed by WDS- The Default WDS port range is 64,000 to 65,000
A specific patch can also cause this problem, watch out!

For how to set various DHCP options, see the following link https://techdirectarchive.com/2020/05/26/wds-and-dhcp-deployment-scenarios-how-to-configure-dhcp-server-option-60-66-and-67-for-windows-deployment-services/

Note: In my case, since I do not have any issue since I am using Windows Server 2019. I have the option to obtain a dynamic port from Winsock as shown below!

But if you are running Windows Server 2008 or 2012 you will run into this issue.

Method 1: To resolve this, you will have to navigate to the WDS Server properties as shown below.

– Click the Network settings tab,
– Change the range from say 64100 to 64200 (Note: You have to ensure other applications are not making use of these ports).

That is all you need to do 🙂

Method 2: You can also set this from the command line using WDSUTIL, see the syntax below.

wdsutil /set-Server /Transport /StartPort:65100 /EndPort:65200

Method 3: If you are running Windows Server 2008 R2 you can also configure WDS to dynamically query WinSock for available ports instead of using a port range. This is done by setting the UdpPortPolicy value in the registry to 0.
– You will find it in the HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\WDSServer\Parameters key.
– You need to restart WDS after changing the value.

For more similar errors, see the following links below.
Note: These links below may not work for you! Use the method above if both DNS and WDS are sitting on the same server.
– https://serverfault.com/questions/811418/wds-on-windows-server-2012-r2-dns-and-dhcp-problems
– https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-server-insiders/server-2019-preview-17623-dns-amp-wds-service-issues/m-p/175510
– https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/1624006-dhcp-not-working-on-wds