The operating systems of the Windows family have long used a built-in firewall, or firewall. For many programs, the settings of this firewall are not suitable and you have to "increase the bandwidth". For example, networked games or file sharing programs require certain ports to be opened in order to function or play properly.
Instructions
Step 1
In the Windows 7 operating system, click "Start", select "Control Panel" and find among the categories (if you have a display of settings by category) the group "System and Security". Click the Windows Firewall heading to open the settings page. If you see small category icons, immediately click on the icon labeled "Windows Firewall".
Step 2
On the left side of the screen, find the "Advanced Settings" item and run it. The settings window will open. Perhaps, at startup, a window will appear asking you to enter the administrator password. Enter it if necessary. In the left column, click "Inbound Rules". A list of applications and rules set for them will open. Click on the Create Rule icon in the upper right corner of the window. The Create Application Rule Wizard opens.
Step 3
Select "For Port" and click "Next". At the top of the next window, select the protocol for which the port is opened: TCP or UDP.
Step 4
In the lower half of the window, select one of the options: "All local ports" (if you want to open all ports) or "Specific local ports", and to the right, specify the desired port numbers separated by commas (this option is usually the best option). Please note that opening all ports is highly discouraged for security reasons. When you choose - click "Next".
Step 5
On the next page of settings, select "Allow the connection". This will open the port for incoming signals. Click Next.
Step 6
The window for selecting the network profile for which the rule will be used will appear. Check the options you want and click Next. If you don't know which options to choose, check all three.
Step 7
Give the rule a name. The name can be any, you can also fill in the description for the rule if you want. When done, click the Finish button. Close the firewall and control panel windows. The ports specified when configuring the rule will be opened immediately.
