A
firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the
Internet or a network, and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through
to your computer, depending on your firewall settings. A firewall can help
prevent hackers or malicious software from gaining access to your computer
through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer
from sending malicious software to other computers.
Turn on Windows Firewall.
This
setting is selected by default. When Windows Firewall is on, most programs are
blocked from communicating through the firewall. If you want to allow a program
to communicate through the firewall, you can add it to the list of allowed
programs. For example, you might not be able to send photos in an instant
message until you add the instant messaging program to the list of allowed
programs. To add a program to the list, see Allow a program to communicate
through Windows Firewall.
Block all incoming firewall connections, including in the list of
allow programs
This
setting blocks all unsolicited attempts to connect to your computer. Use this
setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you
connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a computer worm is
spreading over the Internet. With this setting, you are not notified when
Windows Firewall blocks programs, and programs in the list of allowed programs
are ignored. When you block all incoming connections, you can still view most WebPages,
send and receive e-mail, and send and receive instant messages.
Turn off Windows Firewall
Avoid
using this setting unless you have another firewall running on your computer.
Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer more vulnerable to damage
from hackers and malicious software.
Allow a program to communicate through Windows Firewall
By
default, most programs are blocked by Windows Firewall to help make your
computer more secure. To work properly, some programs might require you to
allow them to communicate through the firewall. Here’s how to do that:
Click
Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall. If you are prompted
for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
Click
Enable all controls. If you are prompted for an administrator password or
confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Select
the check box next to the program you want to allow, select the network
location types you want to allow communication on, and then click OK.
How to open a port in Windows Firewall
If
Windows Firewall is blocking a program and you want to allow that program to
communicate through the firewall, you can usually do that by selecting the
program in the list of allowed programs (also called the exceptions list) in
Windows Firewall. To learn how to do this, see Allow a program to communicate
through Windows Firewall.
However,
if the program isn’t listed, you might need to open a port. For example, to
play a multiplayer game with friends online, you might need to open a port for
the game so that the firewall allows the game information to reach your
computer. A port stays open all the time, so be sure to close ports that you
don’t need anymore.
Click
to open Windows Firewall. In the left pane, click Advanced settings
Next,
follow the instructions on your screen to its logical conclusion.
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