In the tip titled Scanning Your System for Open Ports you discover how to see what ports are open on your computer. If you want to close an open port, you can do so by using the Windows Firewall (Windows Defender Firewall for Windows 10). For example, let's say you want to close port 5500 for all inbound connections. Perform the steps outlined below.
Figure 1. Windows Defender Firewall opening screen.
Figure 2. Windows Defender Firewall advanced settings.
Figure 3. Step 1 of the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Figure 4. Step 2 of the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Figure 5. Step 3 of the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Figure 6. Step 4 of the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Figure 7. Step 5 of the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Port 5500 is now closed and cannot be used by any service.
This tip (13105) applies to Windows 7 and 10.
We can make a lot of adjustments to our Web browser over time. If you ever want to restore your browser to its original ...
Discover MoreFor some people, search engines are a religious issue. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge has left the door open for you to ...
Discover MoreWindows 10 comes with a nice replacement for Internet Explorer (which is still retained for those who need it). This new ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2018-10-09 01:33:48
Barry
Thanks for the kind words, Peter. As you probably know, one big way that hackers are able to penetrate a system is through unused open ports. So as a general practice, it's a good idea to close ports that aren't being used. It's a safely precaution.
2018-10-09 01:28:44
Peter J Moran
Hi Barry,
As per your usual quality, a most detailed tip.
Could you please give some indication as to why one of us mere mortals might want or need to follow your detailed instructions.
Does the PC need to indicate errors on the port, or might it be that one is trying to stop some sort of intrusion into the PC?
It seems to me a bit like someone giving me a special spanner, showing me how it works, but not telling where or when I need to use it.
Many thanks for your valuable weekly input.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2021 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments