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How to Check if Windows Firewall is Blocking Ports or Programs

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Security is crucial to any device or system. That is why Windows comes with a built-in tool that will block any suspicious and harmful connection and program to your computer. The Windows Firewall is a helpful tool that protects your Windows OS and eliminates threats. However, sometimes Windows Firewall may also block other programs and ports that you may be using.

If you suspect that Windows Firewall is blocking your legitimate programs as well as some specific ports on your system, there are ways to find it out. You can continue reading the article below to know more.

How to Find & See if Windows Firewall has Blocked a Program on PC

Allow-an-app-or-feature-through-Windows-Defender-Firewall

To check whether Windows Firewall is blocking one of the softwares, apps or programs you are using on Windows 10, you can go directly to the Windows settings. 

  • Launch Windows Security on your PC.
  • Go to Firewall & network protection.
  • Go to the left panel.
  • Click Allow an app or feature through Firewall.
  • You will see the list of allowed and blocked programs by Windows Firewall.
  • Go through the list and look for your program.
  • If it is not allowed by Windows Firewall, click the Change Settings button at the top.
  • Check the app.
  • Click OK.

How to Tell if Windows Firewall is Blocking a Port and How to Stop It

There are two ways to find out if Windows Firewall is blocking a port or not. You can go through the Windows Firewall Logs or Command Prompt.

Check Your Windows Firewall Logs

How-to-Check-Your-Windows-Firewall-Logs-via-Properties-Private-Profile
  • Navigate to the Settings menu of your Windows 10 PC.
  • Go to Network & Internet Page.
  • Look for the network you are using.
  • Click Properties.
  • Under your Network profile, take note of whether you are using a Domain, Public, or Private profile. 
  • Now, open the Windows Defender Firewall of your Windows 10 PC.
  • Click the Advanced Setting on the left panel.
  • Go to Actions on the right panel.
  • Click Properties.
  • Go to the tab of your network profile. If you are using the Private Profile, click the Private Profile tab.
  • Select Customize.
  • Look for Log dropped packets.
  • Click the drop-down menu.
  • Select Yes.
  • Click OK.
  • Click OK again to close the Properties window.
  • Launch the File Explorer.
  • Go to this location: C Drive -> Windows -> System32 -> LogFiles -> Firewall.

Now, you can see the ports blocked by Windows Firewall.

Find Out Blocked Ports Through Command Prompt

  • Launch the Command Prompt.
  • Make sure to Run as administrator.
  • Enter the following command: netsh firewall show state.
  • It will show you the blocked ports.

How to Open a Blocked Port on Windows 10 Firewall

How-to-Open-a-Blocked-Port-on-Windows-10-Firewall

If Windows Firewall blocked a port you are using, you can open it.

  • Open your Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Click Advanced Settings.
  • On the left panel, look for Inbound Rules.
  • Go to the right panel.
  • Select New Rule.
  • Select Port.
  • Enter the type of port and the port number. 
  • Click Next.
  • Select Allow the connection.
  • Click Next.
  • Click all three profiles.
  • Click Next.
  • Enter a name.
  • Click Finish.

Have you found out if Windows Firewall is blocking your program or port? If you want to share your experience, please write us a comment below.

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Eddie Mendoza Jr
Eddie Mendoza Jr
Eddie has a degree in Information Technology with a natural inclination towards troubleshooting devices. With more than 10 years of blogging experience in different niches, he has found it most satisfying when writing easy-to-follow guides and simplified articles related to computers, smart TVs, mobile devices and Internet-based services.

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