How do I Open TCP Ports in Windows?

Opening TCP ports in Windows may be necessary for getting certain applications to run correctly. Each application may require a specific port to operate on. While your computer can and does open ports on its own, in certain situations you may need to do this manually. Here are some tips.


Step 1. Launch Windows and click Start, then My Network Places. A new window should pop up. Select Network Tasks and then click View Network Connections

Step 2. Select the connection you use for the internet. If you do not know the connection which accesses the internet, you can disable each connection one at a time and then use your browser to see if your internet connection works. Once you find the connection that accesses the internet, right click on it and select properties.

Step 3. A new window should pop up. Select the Advanced Tab and then select Settings.

Step 4. Right-click the connection that you use for the Internet, and then click Properties. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings.

Important Note: If your Settings button is unavailable, this means that all ports are open. Since all ports are open, you do not have to go any further to open ports manually- your job is complete.

Step 5 Click on Add to open a new port - you will see several fields. Fill in information for the following fields. For the description box and the name or IP address boxes add the details of the computer hosting the service. For IP Address you can use the following: 127.0.0.1. For the field External port and Internal port boxes, input again the IP address 127.0.0.1.

Step 6. Click TCP and then select OK. You have manually opened a TCP port on Windows.