When utilizing DHCP assigned IP Addresses in a VMware View environment, it is possible to exhaust an entire DHCP scope when either the lease period is too long or when you need to execute a mass desktop activity like a Recompose or Refresh on a large pool.  A simple approach to force all desktops to release their IP Address on shutdown is to utilize a GPO Shutdown Script that simply calls the IPConfig /release command.  This is a very raw approach, but it does work for the purpose.

  1. Create or modify an existing GPO which is linked to the OU where your Virtual Desktops are created in Active Directory.
  2. Under Computer Configuration in the GPO Settings select Policies >Windows Settings > Scripts (Startup/Shutdown)

  1. Select Shutdown
  2. Select Add
  3. Select Browse
  4. Right-click in the folder window and create New > Text Document
  5. Provide a name such as IP_Release.bat
  6. Edit the file and enter the following:

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c ipconfig /release

  1. Select the file and Open
  2. Select OK

Once this is in place, all future desktops on shutdown will release their IP Address and return it to the DHCP scope.  This is very useful with Floating Pools or Non-Persistent Desktops.