How to Open Windows Firewall Ports

Windows Firewall Ports Blocking VPN?

There are millions of people from around the world who use VPN for various purposes on the web. Some use it to bypass regional restrictions on the web. Others use it for online privacy and security. But if you’re unable to use a VPN on your Windows Operating System, then it might be because your Windows Firewall Ports are blocking it.

Windows Firewall VPN Problems

VPNs are the best tools to access any content on the web. For instance, hundreds of thousands of people use PureVPN every day to access Netflix US and other streaming channels from their locations.

Others use a VPN to keep their online activities private and secure. Premium VPN services, like PureVPN, offer end-to-end encryption to keep their users safe and anonymous on the web. Other security features, such as the Internet Kill Switch, and DDoS protection, offer even better security to users.

However, plenty of users face difficulties when they try to install or launch their VPN client app. They might have subscribed to the service but would be unable to use it for some reason. That reason revolves around the Windows firewall ports of your system. If you are facing a similar problem on your system, then you can quickly get around it by following the guide below.

How to Open Windows Firewall Ports?

If your VPN is blocked because of Windows firewall ports, then the following methods are sure to release you from this problem.

Method 1: Add an exclusion

  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Windows Defender Security Center
  • Open Virus & Threat protection settings
  • Click on Exclusions
  • Click on Add or remove exclusions
  • Click on Add an exclusion
  • Add your VPN client software
  • Note: VPN clients usually use 500 and 4500 UDP, and 1723 TCP ports. If this method doesn’t work, then open Windows Firewall Advanced settings and add a new rule from there.

Method 2: Change Allow app settings

  • Go to Control Panel
  • Open System and Security
  • Open Windows Defender Firewall
  • Now, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
  • Now click on Change Settings
  • Find your VPN in the list of programs and apps shown
  • Select the network type on which you want the VPN to run
  • If your VPN is not on the list, click on Allow another app
  • Select your VPN
  • Click on Add and then OK

Method 3: Change Adapter Settings

  • Go to Control Panel
  • Select Network & Internet
  • Go to Network and Sharing Center
  • Click on Change adapter settings
  • Click on File
  • Choose New incoming connection
  • Click on users you want to access your VPN connection
  • Checkmark Through the Internet
  • Click on Next
  • Now mark the internet protocols you want your VPN to connect to
  • Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
  • Open Control Panel again and go to Windows Firewall
  • Click on Advanced Settings
  • Click on Inbound Rules > Actions
  • Select New Rule
  • From the Wizard, select Port and click on Next.
  • You can select TCP and insert 1723 in Specific remote ports field
  • Click on Next
  • Choose Allow the connect and click on Next
  • Now select all options and apply the rule to all
  • Write a Name and Description
  • Click on Finish

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I allow VPN through firewall?

It is easy. Just follow any of the methods mentioned above, and you will be able to allow your VPN through Windows Firewall. These firewall settings for VPN will allow you to unblock firewall and start using your VPN with ease.

How do I stop VPN blocking?

There might be different reasons for this problem. You can unblock the firewall by changing firewall settings for a VPN. This can be achieved via the steps given above.

Can schools block VPNs?

Yes, they can. Schools and other institutes use tools that allow them to block VPNs. You can either use the steps mentioned above to unblock VPNs, or you can approach your supervisor to solve this problem.