Windows Firewall Basics

Hosting a game server or IIS on Windows? You'll need to allow traffic through the Windows Defender Firewall.

Method 1: Allow an App

The simplest way to let a program communicate:

1. Open Start and type "Allow an app through Windows Firewall".
2. Click Change settings.
3. Find your application (e.g., nginx.exe or srcds.exe) in the list.
4. Check both Private and Public.
5. Click OK.

Method 2: Advanced Port Rules

For more control, or to open a specific port like 80 (HTTP):

1. Open Start and type "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security".
2. Click on Inbound Rules in the left pane.
3. Click New Rule... on the right.
4. Select Port -> Next.
5. Choose TCP or UDP and enter the port number (e.g., 80).
6. Select Allow the connection.
7. Keep all profiles checked (Domain, Private, Public).
8. Name the rule (e.g., "Web Server Port 80") and click Finish.

The changes take effect immediately.