How to allow a program or game through the Windows Firewall

When a program or game requires access to the Internet or another network computer, it must be able to send information over a network port. A firewall protects a computer from unauthorized access and blocks all unnecessary network ports, which prevents a network program from communicating with another computer. Select your computers Windows version from the links below, and follow the steps to allow access to a program through the Windows Firewall.

Opening a port in the Windows 11 Firewall

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Under Windows Defender Firewall, click the Allow an app through Windows Firewall link.
3. If the Windows Defender Firewall window is displayed, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall link in the left navigation menu to open a window like the picture below.

4. Click the Change settings button to make access changes for programs in the list.
5. Check the box for the program you want to grant to access through the Windows Firewall. If you play a network game in your local network, only check the Home/Work (Private) box. If you need the program to have Internet access, check the Public box.

Opening a port in the Windows 8 and Windows 10 Firewall

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click the System and Security option.
3. Under Windows Firewall, click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall to open a window similar to the picture below.

4. Click the Change settings button to make access changes for programs in the list.
5. Check the box for the program you want to grant access through the Windows Firewall. If you play a network game in your local network, only check the Home/Work (Private) box. If you need the program to have Internet access, check the Public box.

Opening a port in the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Firewall

1. Click Start, type firewall in the Search for Programs and Files box, and click Windows Firewall in the found programs list.
2. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall on the left column to open a window similar to the picture below.

3. Click the Change settings button to make access changes for programs in the list.
4. Check the box for the program you want to grant access through the Windows Firewall. If you play a network game in your local network, only check the Home/Work (Private) box. If you need the program to have Internet access, check the Public box.

Windows XP users

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click Security Center and then Windows Firewall.
3. Click Add Program to add a program you want to add as an exception to the Windows Firewall or Add Port if you know the port number you want to open.