How to see if Windows Firewall is blocking a port or program

• Wondering how you can check if a website is blocked by your Firewall? Check the firewall settings.
• The Windows Firewall settings will give you show you any port is blocked on your PC.
• Easily fix any problem caused by your Firewall blocking the Internet with the solutions below.
• The Windows Firewall also allows you to select which programs can run on your computer.

1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

The Windows Firewall is a built-in security application that comes with Windows OS since the beginning. The software is built to filter network data transmission to and from your Windows system.

The Firewall will block any suspicious and harmful connection depending on the threat level.

The users can configure the Windows Firewall settings as per their need to block or open port in Windows 10 and other versions. However, at times the Firewall may block ports or programs accidentally by user’s or administrator’s misconfiguration.

Now, if you want to know if the Windows Firewall is blocking a port or program on your system, you need to check your settings. Here’s how to check firewall settings.

How do I check if Windows Firewall is blocking a port ?

1. Check your firewall settings

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
2. Type control and press OK to open Control Panel.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Scroll down and open Administrative Tools.
   
5. In the Administrative Tools window, open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
6. Click on Actions and select Properties.
   
   
7. Now select your preferred Profile (Domain, Private, Publick).
8. In the Logging section, click on the Customize button.
   
9. Click on the drop-down menu for Log dropped packets: and select Yes.
10. Take note of the pfirewall.log path in the Name section.
11. Click OK to save the changes.
    
12. Open File Explorer and go to the path where the log file is saved.
    • It should look something like this: %systemroot%system32LogFilesFirewall
13. Click on the pfirewall.log file and check for any blocked ports.

2. Check for Blocked Port using the Command Prompt

1. Type cmd in the search bar.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. In the command prompt, type the following command and hit enter.
   • netsh firewall show state
4. This will display all the blocked and active port configured in the firewall.

How to check if Windows Firewall is blocking a program ?

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
2. Type control and press OK to open Control Panel.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
5. From the left pane Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
   
6. In the allowed app window, scroll through all the apps.
7. Locate the app you want to check and see if the app is checked.
   • If it is unchecked, the app is blocked on the Firewall.
8. If your program is blocked, simply uncheck the app and click OK.

In the Customize Settings window, click the circle(s) next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for public networks, private networks, or both.

That’s about it for this article. Make sure you follow the solutions thoroughly and see what works for you. Also, feel free to send us any feedback regarding the subject in the comment section below.

Block or Unblock Programs in Windows Defender Firewall

By Mitch Bartlett 15 Comments

In Microsoft Windows 10 you can set the Windows Defender Firewall to block or unblock certain applications. Here’s how.

1. Select the “Start” button, then type “firewall“.
2. Select the “Windows Defender Firewall” option.
3. Choose the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” option in the left pane.
   
4. Unchecking the box to the left of the application name disallows it from accessing network resources, while checking it allows access. You can also check the boxes to the right of the name labeled “Private” or “Public” to allow and disallow the app on private or public networks respectively.
   
5. If the program you wish to block or unblock is not listed, you can click the “Allow another app…” button to add it. Choose the application in the list and select “Add“. If the program is not in this list, use the “Browse…” button to select the program file manually.

You Might Also Like

Filed Under: Windows Tagged With: Windows 10

Reader Interactions

Comments

Susan Olson says

No…I am definitely not a pro…so a little more explanation would be great…say, what about gallery or settings….?

Susan Olon says

Could you give me an example as to what applications should NOT cross the firewall??

Any application can block any crack microsoft office .. can you help me how to block any crack microsoft on my laptop ..

Richard Jordan says

The firewall is blocking access to open areas of the United Nations website. Even public press releases. How do I uninstall Micrsoft Edge, if that is what is blocking me.

So, what’s the meaning of a checked box and an unchecked box?
I am trying to allow zoom to have access but firewall is blocking it.

I’m trying to block Microsoft family features so it won’t send me the annoying pop-ups about signing in.

I’m on the correct thing but I can’t uncheck the box beside it. If I click the box it does nothing,

Do we have any registry settings for the same.

Thanks, it worked

What if when you click “Allow another app” and then Choose the app in the directory and it gives an error about a possible virus?

Josh Everett says

Is there any way to do this without Administrator rights?

Settings for some pro, doesn’t change!
its somehow locked, as if a registry rule is overriding this windows rules.

Richard S Nye says

I have been trying for hours to Block “Fortnite” from my PC windows 10

Edwin Wetzel says

nothing helps. i’ve been trying to hook up my wifi scanner and i’ve been doing this for hours without any success. i’ve followed all the different procedures on line including going into the defender advanced settings and allowing file and printer sharing rules and still does not work.

What if you cant click the “Allow the app or feature through windows defender firewall”?

Mike Bading says

Mitch,
First, I hope this note finds all well with you and yours.
Second, thank you for your effort here.
Third, my question(s):
What do you do when Windows Defender keeps resetting Microsoft Apps you have unchecked/deselected in Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro?
Example: Let’s say I wish to block Cortana (or any other app). I then follow your instructions here and uncheck/deselect all the boxes pertaining to Cortana and then close the window.
Let’s say, that for whatever reason(s), I return to the window in your example only to find that Windows has reset/unblocked Cortana without notice and without my permission. This would happen all the time in Win10Home; and I would like to know if this would happen in Win10Pro and what to do about it if it does.

Respectfully,
Mike Bading

Did this help? Let us know! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

Who’s Behind Technipages?

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I’ve been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my personal blog.

Security or firewall settings might be blocking your connection

Replies (1) 

Thanks for posting your query to Microsoft forum. I will certainly help you with this.

This issue might be because of several reasons such as the security software you may have installed on the computer or if there is any corruption is network driver.

I would like to know;

1. What is the make and model of your computer?
2. Which security software is installed on your computer?
3. Are you playing game through internet browser or application?
4. Is there any Proxy setting enabled on the computer?

If you are using a proxy connection, then try disabling proxy and then check if the issue persists.

Follow the steps to disable proxy:

Press Windows key + R key, Run window opens.

Type inetcpl.cpl in the search box and click Ok. Internet Options window opens.

Click the Connections tab, and then click LAN settings

Uncheck the Use Proxy server.

Click Apply and Ok to save changes.

We will have to make sure that the wireless network adaptor is working fine. We can follow the steps below for the same.

Method 2: Follow the step s in the given article.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Check the connection while playing game now, if the issue persists follow method 3.

Method 3: Disable the antivirus.

Temporarily disable the antivirus software running on the computer and check if you are able to install the software.

Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn’t disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you’re done. If you’re connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Hope this information is helpful. If the issue still persists, please post back for further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Windows Defender Firewall rule is blocking your connection [EXPERT FIX]

Some users have posted on forums about an HSS DNS Leak error message that blocks their internet connections. The full error reads Contact your network administrator the Windows Defender Firewall rule HSS DNS leak is blocking your internet connection. Thus, users can’t connect to the internet when that error arises.

Follow the steps below to resolve the problem.

How do I stop the Firewall from blocking my Internet connection?

1. Uncheck HSS DNS Leak Rule’s Firewall Permission

1. Users have confirmed that unchecking HSS DNS Leak’s Private and Public check boxes can fix the Windows Defender Firewall rule error. To do so, click the Type here to search button on Win 10’s taskbar to open the search utility.
2. Enter ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ as the search keyword.
3. Click Windows Defender Firewall to open that Control Panel applet.
4. Then click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall to open the setting shown below.
5. Press the Change settings button.
6. Deselect the Private and Public check boxes for HSS DSS leak rule.
7. Click the OK button.

2. Turn Off the Windows Defender Firewall

1. Alternatively, users can turn off Windows Defender Firewall to fix its HSS leak rule blocking the connection. Open the search utility again with the Windows key + S.
2. Input the keyword ‘Windows firewall’ in the search box, and click Windows Defender Firewall to open that Control Panel applet.
3. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the WDF options shown directly below.
4. Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons there.
5. Select the OK option.

3. Reinstall Hotspot Shield

1. HSS is the Hotspot Shield VPN software, and users have said they’ve fixed the “Windows Defender Firewall rule” error by reinstalling Hotspot Shield. To do that, launch Run by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
2. Input ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the Open box and click OK to open the Windows uninstaller.
3. Select the Hotspot Shield software, and then select the Uninstall option.
4. Click Yes to provide further confirmation to uninstall the software.
5. Restart Windows after uninstalling Hotspot.
6. Click Get Hotspot Shield on the software’s homepage to reinstall the latest version of the software.

RELATED ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT: