How to install ports on a computer. How to open ports. How to find out which ports a specific program is using

Any user may need port forwarding personal computer on Windows 10 or other OS. This article discusses all options for opening ports through a firewall, antivirus and router. For clarity, an example is shown with port forwarding to connect to the server of the multiplayer game Minecraft (online games are one of the main and common uses of this instruction).

Many programs and games that use an Internet connection only work with certain protocols. Default operating Windows system 10 protects the computer from free access to any ports for security purposes. The same can be said about antivirus software (does not apply to standard Windows Defender) and router. Therefore, the user must independently allow access to a particular port when it is unavailable. Below is an example of forwarding for the online game Minecraft.

Firewall forwarding

Let's start setting up the built-in Windows 10 firewall. To allow access to a port, you need to create rules for incoming and outgoing connections. You can do this as follows:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  1. Go to the "System and Security" section.
  1. Now open the Windows Defender Firewall subsection.
  1. On the left side, click on the “Advanced options” button.
  1. Most games use both incoming and outgoing connections, so you need to create two rules. First, click on “Rules for incoming connections” and select the “Create rule” action.
  1. You can open the port separately for the program (1) or give the computer access to it completely (2).
  1. By default, Minecraft uses port 25565 for its operation. Since it uses both protocols (1), you will have to create two rules for incoming and outgoing connections. Do not select “All local ports” (2) so as not to make a huge “hole” in the security of your PC. In line (3) enter 25565 and click “Next”.
  1. Now check the first box and click “Next” again.
  1. Set up profile access.
  1. Enter a rule name and description. To create, click “Done”. The same must be done with the UDP protocol.
  1. Now in the main window, select “Rules for outgoing connections” and click on “Create rule” again. Do the same operation as described above. Once the configuration is complete, you should have 4 rules (2 for incoming connections and 2 for outgoing connections) for port 25565.

Opening it in the firewall settings may not be enough for the Minecraft game to work, so let’s forward it in the antivirus.

Forwarding in antivirus software

The interface of each antivirus may differ from each other. However, the principle and essence of the actions remain the same. Let's consider opening port 25565 using the Kaspersky security program as an example:

  1. Open the program settings using the marked icon.
  1. Go to the "Advanced" tab and open the "Network" section.
  1. In the marked item, click on “Select”.
  1. In the list that opens, click on the “Add” button.
  1. Specify the name and enter the value 25565, then save the changes with the “Add” button.

Forwarding through router settings

The same procedure must be carried out in the router settings. To do this, you need to follow the presented guide (works only for users with a static IP):

  1. Open your browser and enter the device IP in address bar. Typically this address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (you can find the exact address of the router in the documentation or on the back panel of the device).
  1. Log in using your username and password.
  1. In the side menu, click on WAN and go to the marked tab.
  1. Click on “Yes” (1), enter the name of the rule, the exact value 25565 in both fields (2) and click the “Add” button (3). This operation must be done for UDP and TCP protocols.

After completing the settings, the router will automatically reboot and you will be able to continue using the Internet. Now you know how to forward for Minecraft and you can safely enjoy the gameplay online with other players.

Depending on the router model, for example, TP Link, the sequence of actions may be slightly different.

Ports in uTorrent

The uTorrent client can also block connections using its built-in firewall. To remove the blocking you need:

  1. Open the uTorrent client and go to settings.
  1. Open the “Connection” section. In the marked line enter required number and save the changes with the “OK” button.
  1. Notice the marked indicator at the bottom of the torrent client. Click on it to test the connection.
  1. In the window that opens, click on “Test” (1). Pay attention to the port value (2) - it must match what you entered in the settings window.
  1. If after the test you receive green checkmarks, then the connection has been successfully established.

However, this does not mean that performing this operation will increase the speed of downloading files via torrent. It all depends on the number of peers.

Examination

To check, two methods are usually used - the 2ip.ru website and the command line. Let's figure out how to check the port through the website:

  1. Open the link https://2ip.ru/ and go to the “Port Check” section.

Below is a table with some popular TCP/UDP ports. Commonly known and reported values ​​range from 0 to 49151. The range 49152 to 65535 is used for short-lived client-server connections.

Number Purpose
80 Connecting to HTTP
280 Connecting to HTTP-MGMT
3389 Remote Desktop
443 HTTPS connection, various games
515 Print service
666 MDQS, DOOM games
989 FTPS-DATA
990 FTPS
1167 Conference systems
1234 Streaming video, VLC player
1241 Nessus Security Scanner
5121 Neverwinter Nights
6969 BitTorrent
8621 Ace Stream
16591 Access to IP cameras and recorders from mobile devices
19226 Panda Software
27015 Half-Life games
27018 Steam service
29900 Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
37904 LG TV

Conclusion

Forwarding TCP/UDP connections is not difficult. After reading our instructions, you can repeat all the steps even without minimal practice. If you are a fan of online games or use applications that actively interact with the network, then the presented guide will definitely be useful to you. Do not limit yourself to opening a connection only in the firewall/antivirus/router separately - all of the listed elements can simultaneously block the desired protocol.

You can open access to all connections by disabling security services (firewall, antivirus). However, such actions will have an extremely negative impact on the overall security of your personal computer, so we do not recommend disabling protection.

Video

This video clearly shows and describes all the steps in the instructions. With its help, you will be able to understand difficult and incomprehensible moments.

The modern Internet is not only a collection of web pages linked by hyperlinks. The term “Internet” includes any digital information, sometimes used completely different devices. Torrent clients, file sharing networks, software components automatic update, numerous instant messengers and “smart” gadgets - they all use Internet traffic, and it can be transmitted through the same server. In theory, when one server serves tens of thousands of different services, real confusion should arise, but this does not happen, because each client has its own IP address on the network. But this may not be enough.

What are ports in Windows 7/10 and why are they needed?

To distinguish between requests and optimize the connection, protocols and ports are also used. The latter will be discussed today. So what are ports, why are they needed, how can you find out which ports are open on your computer and why should they be open or, on the contrary, closed?

Port is a virtual unit, channel, connection number with remote client or a server allocated to a particular program. Unclear? Let's try to explain more clearly. Imagine a huge building with 65,535 doors. These doors are not simple, leading to internal rooms, but magical, leading to other similar buildings. The house with many doors is your computer, and the doors are ports through which programs establish connections with other computers.

When an application wants to access the network, it reserves a specific port number for itself, so there is no confusion when exchanging numerous data. When the program exits, the port is released, although some ports have their own exceptions. For example, ports 80 and 443 must be open at all times, otherwise some programs will not be able to connect to the Internet, unless their algorithms provide the ability alternative connection. It is advisable to keep other ports locked to avoid network attacks and exploitation by malware.

How to check if a port is open

The concept of a “port” is more or less understood, now let’s find out how to check whether a port is open on a computer or not. There are several ways to check the availability or unavailability of a port(s). The simplest and most obvious is to use online services PortScan.ru or 2ip.ru. To determine whether a port is explicitly open or not, you need to enter its number in a special field and click the “Check” button.

PortScan.ru and similar services also often provide scanner services for open ports on a computer.

You can also view open ports in Windows 7/10 using a regular command line or console PowerShell running with administrator rights. To do this, run the following command in the console:

netstat -aon | more

This will give you a list of active connections. In the “Local address” column the IP and the actual number of the open address will be indicated. this moment port. Please also pay attention to the connection status. LISTENING means the port is just listening (waiting for a connection), ESTABLISHED– there is active data exchange between network nodes, CLOSE_WAIT– waits for the connection to be closed, TIME_WAIT indicates that the response time has exceeded.

Alternatively, you can use free utility CurrPorts from the famous developer NirSoft.

The advantages of this utility are that it visually shows not only the local and remote ports used, but also the processes and services associated with them, as well as the paths to them. executable files, their version, description and much more useful information. Additionally, CurrPorts can be used to close selected connections and terminate processes on selected ports.

How to open ports on a computer using Windows

We already know how to determine open ports, now let's see how to open ports on Windows 7/10. As a rule, a standard one is used for these purposes. Windows firewall. Let's assume that we have closed the used mail clients under the SMTP protocol port 25, and we need to open it. Launch the standard firewall and click on the “Advanced settings” link on the left.

In the new window select Rules for incoming connections – Create a rule.

The rule type must be selected “For port”, the protocol is left as default, that is, TCP, and in the “Specified local ports” field we enter the number of the port we need.

If you need to open several ports, add them separated by commas. Click “Next” and specify the action, in this case “Allow connection”.

And finally, we move on to the last stage of configuration - assigning a name to the rule. The name can be arbitrary, the main thing is that it reflects the essence of the rule.

Why should ports 80 and 443 be open?

Among the many ports, there are those that are reserved popular programs default. For example, ports 80 and 443 are used primarily by browsers (80 for regular and 443 for secure encrypted connections). If these ports are closed, problems may occur. certain problems when connecting to gaming and cloud services, conducting transactions and the like. However, you should not rush to open ports 80 and 443 if they were closed as a result of the scan. If there are no connection problems, it is better to leave everything as it is.

How to find out which ports a specific program is using

You already know how to open a port on a computer with Windows 7/10, now let's see how to determine which program or process is using a particular port. To search for open ports on a PC, we have already suggested using the CurrPorts utility. With its help, you can quickly determine which one is involved in any device running on your computer. network program port.

Let's say we want to find out which port the program for hiding the IP address occupies FreeHideIP. We launch the CurrPorts utility, find the FreeHideIP process in the first column and look in the “Local Ports” column for the number of the port it uses.

You can determine the port used by the program without any third party tools, using Windows itself. Let's resort to the help of an already familiar utility netstat. Open a command line or PowerShell console as an administrator and run the following command;

netstat -aonb | more

This time we added the parameter to the list of enabled keys b, responsible for displaying the process name. For example, in the attached screenshot you can see that one of the processes Chrome browser with ID 5732 is currently using local port 61233. In principle, you can not use the b key, but then you will need Task Manager.

We find the application process in the Manager, look at its identifier and compare it with the data in the PID column in command line. But why make extra movements if there is a shorter way?

Not everyone knows how to open ports on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, but many PC users have probably heard about them. However, for some online games or programs that require Internet access, opening additional connections becomes necessary. Sometimes you need to open or check already open ports.

A port is a specific numeric code that allows the system to exchange data with hosting providers from the Internet. This is a kind of path that helps you check the necessary data and get it from a remote server to your computer, exactly at the address.

Some applications do not require opening an additional connection, since it is already open. But for some closed resources, games (for example, Minecraft), this has to be done manually.

Opening methods

Easiest general way

The most accessible method is quite simple. Below is an algorithm of actions that need to be performed:

  • In the “Control Panel” we find the “System and Security” item, then open “Windows Firewall”.

Open Windows Firewall

  • Select "Advanced options"
  • In the window that appears, select “Rules for incoming connections” (left column).

Select “Rules for incoming connections”

  • Next, you need to create a rule, click on the corresponding icon.
  • Rule type “For port”, click the “Next” button, put a marker on “TCP Protocol” and enter the number (you need to check it exactly). Click “Next” again.

Place a marker on “TCP Protocol”

  • Leave all the checkboxes - they determine which profiles the rule will apply to.

Leave all the boxes ticked

  • Then you will need to come up with a name and, if you require it, a description. Click “Finish”.

Specifying a name

That's it - you have a new rule, now the computer will be able to connect to the desired server.

Connection for the program

This method may be required if the previous one was unable to provide the required application with the required network activity. That is, simply, the required program still does not connect to the Internet.

  1. According to the previous algorithm, we get to the place where we need to select the type of rule, select the type of rule “For program”
  2. Place a marker on the “Program Path”, select using the “Browse” button, or manually enter the program address.
  3. Click “Next” and check “Allow connection”.
  4. Then we repeat everything we did with the previous method.

As a result, this program will be allowed to connect to the network.

By itself, it can often block many connections, so in some cases you can simply try disabling it. However, if you do not have any antivirus installed on your computer, then using the Internet with the firewall disabled can be dangerous for your computer.

To disable the firewall, you just need to go into it, select the “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” option, check the “Turn off Windows Firewall” option in the settings settings and click “OK”.

Examination

You don't always need to drive new number and choose a protocol, sometimes it is enough to know how to check if a port is open. This can be done using a special command. First, enter “cmd” (without quotes) in the command line (opened by pressing Win+R), then click “OK”, and in the window that appears, enter the command “netstat -a”. A list of all open protocols will then appear. This way it is easy to check their quantity. Such a check can be carried out on various free Internet services, which will also provide this information.

It's quite easy to open new connections or disable blocking them altogether. These restrictions, with small skills, will not prevent you from gaining access to the necessary information or data from the Internet. Now, if necessary, you can both open a port on your computer and check which ones are open.

Majority computer programs or servers interact with each other during operation of the device, and are also used to enter the global network.

These operations are possible due to the activation of numerous ports that allow access, invitations and connections.

If the port is temporarily unavailable, then invitations, naturally, do not arrive, but are lost along the way.

As a rule, PC users call such a port inaccessible and recommend some steps to open them. We will review how to open ports on windows 7.

Opening ports on windows 7

However, this manual useful for those who have a firewall installed by default.

  • The user needs to open the PC control panel through the Start menu located in the lower left corner.
  • In the screenshot we see the folder “Windows Firewall”, the viewing option must first be changed, including “Small icons”, or even “Large”, in order for the Firewall icon itself to be displayed.
  • The following screenshot will appear in front of you.

On the left side of the image we see a list of tabs, among which is the line “Advanced options”.

The user needs to click on this line, after which the following window will appear on the monitor.

  • In the upper corner we see an inscription that ensures that ports are opened for connections in compliance with the enhanced security mode. In this window, the user needs to select the “Rules for incoming connections” tab.

  • After the image that we see in the screenshot appears, the user follows the rule itself. You can perform this action in the “Wizard for creating new connection rules” tab.

Note! During further work, the wizard will constantly prompt the user further actions, ask questions and offer answer options. The only thing the user needs is to carefully read the prompts in the pop-up windows and click on the “Continue” button if he agrees with the next sentence.

So, at the first stage, the wizard asks the user what type of rule he needs.

You need to check the box “For port” and tap on the “Next” button. After that, select the line “Incoming connection”.

After these simple manipulations, you can begin the second stage of work.

At this point, the user must select a port number or a range of multiple ports that he needs to open for seamless access to various servers and connections to other programs and applications.

You will see the line “Specified local ports”, which should be filled in with the selected number.

If you want to open several ports, then simply put a hyphen between the numbers and press the “Next” key.

After entering the number to securely open the firewall port, the program will offer the user various possible connections.

In order for the presented connections to become available to your PC, you must check the “Allow connection” line and then click on the “Next” button.

This rule applies to Domain, Private and Public profiles, so they must be checked when opening the port.

After creating the rule, click on the “Finish” button and the “New Incoming Connection Rule Creation Wizard” will complete its operation, and you will be able to receive messages or establish connections through the new available port.

In this screenshot we see a simplified step by step instructions on how to open ports through the firewall, which will be more acceptable among novice PC users.

How to open ports on windows 7 through a router

Today, the computer has become an integral part of our lives and an indispensable household item.

Housewives are looking for new recipes, students are reading books and looking for essays in in electronic format, and their parents are watching Latest updates world cinema.

In order to avoid disputes regarding the priority of any action, most users acquire their own PC.

Therefore, one home can have both a PC and, for example, a tablet and other gadgets that provide access to the global network.

Connecting each device to the network is a troublesome and unnecessary task, since providers offer their consumers the best solution to the problem - a router.

This device is a router that not only provides free access to the Internet resource, but also allows its owner to open ports that allow receiving network messages or establishing various connections, thanks to which the user has access to any information, programs or applications.

In essence, the procedure remains the same, only first you need to open the router. The first thing the user should do is open the browser they are using and log into the router.

You will see an address bar in which you need to enter the internal IP. In most cases, it is represented by the following code 192.168.1.1. if it gives an error, then try 192.168.0.1.

Opening ports on an ASUS router.

Opening ports on a D-link router

They are represented by login and password that your ISP uses. As a rule, login: admin, password: admin.

If the password is incorrect, then the user should look under the router. At the bottom there is a sticker with the necessary information that you need to fill out these fields.

Opening ports on a Netgear router

After this, a window will pop up on the monitor and display the navigation panel.

Opening ports on a Zyxel router

The user needs to go to the “Advanced Setup” tab, and then NAT and click on the “Add” button (“Settings” - “Add”).

In this window you will see the following fields: “Server Name” (user name), Server IP Address (PC address), External Port Start (external port) and Internal Port Start (internal port).

In the first field you need to enter the user name, and it should be as memorable as possible so that later you can remember for what purpose this port was opened.

In this case, you can enter a name from the provided list or select your own option (Custom Server).

The user must enter the internal IP of the device in the address bar, and fill in the external port fields with the following numbers 25565.

After this, the internal port line will be filled in automatically.

At the end of all the completed actions, click on the “Save” button and proceed to opening the port through the firewall of the operating system used.

Note! Any computer that is connected to a specific network has about 65,535 ports, that is, these are kind of “doors” that provide “entrance” to another user. Thanks to them, it becomes possible to connect and interact between two or more devices, which is actively used by modern gamers, enterprise administrations, office employees etc. If the external port on your gadget is closed, then other users’ access to the content on your PC is limited.

If you actively play Minecraft or other multiplayer games that require connecting to a server, then sooner or later you will probably be faced with the question of how to open ports. By default, the firewall and antivirus close most ports, so games and programs may not work correctly. This deficiency can only be corrected manually.

Setting up a firewall

Before you start opening a port, you need to find out its number. For example, for the online mode of GTA V to work properly, you need to open the entrance number 80. For Unturned you need open port 25444. You can find this information on game forums or support pages.


In some cases, you need to specify permission for two protocols - TCP and UDP.

It's simple: two incoming rules are created, for which different protocols are specified. The rest of the data must match.

Firewall in antivirus

Some antiviruses manage the firewall themselves, so you need to open the logins in their settings. There is no fundamental difference, but the order changes slightly. Let's look at the algorithm using an antivirus as an example ESET Smart Security.


If you do not want to configure rules in your antivirus settings, disable its firewall. The system will prompt you to activate the Windows Firewall, after which you can open access using the first part of our instructions.

Allowing access in the router

If you have a router, then you need to additionally open access in its interface, otherwise the data packets will not go through as intended. First, look at the physical address of the computer on the network - the input opens for a specific machine.

  1. Go to Network and Sharing Center and click on the connection you are using.
  2. Click Details.
  3. Find and remember the IPv 4 address.

You have found out the physical address of the computer on the network, now you need to open ports for it in the router. Go to the router's web interface (usually available at 192.168.0.1). Go to the section responsible for the operation of the firewall. You need to configure virtual server.

Click "Add" to open the virtual server setup form. Please provide the required information:

  • Name (use the name of the game).
  • The interface is everything.
  • The protocol is the one you need, TCP or UDP.
  • External and internal starting port - a specific number, for example 25444.
  • Internal IP – the IPv4 address that you looked at in the connection information.

After saving the configuration, the port will be open. To check its operation, go to the website 2ip.ru. There is a "Port Test" tool here.