Windows Firewall Setup for Game Servers 2026
Complete guide to configure Windows Firewall for hosting game servers. Allow ports, create rules, and secure your server.
Difficulty
Easy
Time Required
5-10 minutes
Windows Version
10/11
Why Configure Windows Firewall for Game Servers?
Windows Firewall is a crucial security feature that controls network traffic to and from your computer. When hosting game servers, you need to configure it properly to allow players to connect while maintaining security.
Benefits
- • Allow players to connect to your server
- • Maintain security by blocking unwanted traffic
- • Control which applications can access the network
- • Monitor and log network activity
What You'll Learn
- • How to open Windows Firewall settings
- • Creating inbound and outbound rules
- • Allowing specific ports for game servers
- • Testing firewall configuration
Step-by-Step Windows Firewall Configuration
1
Open Windows Firewall Settings
First, we need to access the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security settings where we can create custom rules.
Method 1: Using Run Dialog
- Press Windows + R
- Type
wf.mscand press Enter
Method 2: Using Control Panel
- Open Control Panel
- Go to System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
- Click "Advanced settings" on the left sidebar
2
Create a New Inbound Rule
Inbound rules control traffic coming TO your computer (players connecting to your server).
- In the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window, click "Inbound Rules" in the left panel
- Click "New Rule..." in the right panel
- Select "Port" and click Next
- Choose "TCP" or "UDP" (depends on your game - see common ports below)
- Select "Specific local ports" and enter your game server port (e.g., 25565 for Minecraft)
- Click Next and select "Allow the connection"
- Choose when the rule applies (Domain, Private, Public - usually all three)
- Give your rule a descriptive name like "Minecraft Server Port 25565"
- Click Finish
Common Game Server Ports 2026
Popular Games and Their Default Ports
| Game | Default Port | Protocol | Additional Ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | 25565 | TCP | 25575 (RCON) |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 27015 | TCP/UDP | 27005 (Client), 27020 (SourceTV) |
| Rust | 28015 | TCP/UDP | 28016 (RCON) |
| Garry's Mod | 27015 | TCP/UDP | 27005 (Client) |
| ARK: Survival Evolved | 7777 | UDP | 7778 (Raw UDP), 27015 (Query) |
| Valheim | 2456-2458 | UDP | Range of 3 ports |
Troubleshooting Windows Firewall Issues
Players Can't Connect to Server
If players can't connect to your server, check these common firewall issues:
- Verify the firewall rule is enabled and not blocked
- Check that you're using the correct port number and protocol
- Ensure the rule applies to the correct network profile (Domain/Private/Public)
- Try temporarily disabling Windows Firewall to test connectivity
- Check if third-party antivirus software has its own firewall
Advanced Troubleshooting
For advanced troubleshooting:
- Enable Windows Firewall logging to see blocked connections
- Use
netstat -anto verify your server is listening on the correct port - Test with
telnet localhost [port]for local connectivity - Check Windows Event Viewer for firewall-related errors
- Consider using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security MMC snap-in for detailed configuration
Security Best Practices
Do's
- • Only open ports you actually need
- • Use specific port numbers instead of ranges
- • Give rules descriptive names
- • Regularly review and clean up unused rules
- • Enable firewall logging for monitoring
- • Keep Windows and firewall software updated
Don'ts
- • Don't disable Windows Firewall completely
- • Don't open all ports or use "Any" protocol
- • Don't ignore firewall notifications
- • Don't create overly broad rules
- • Don't forget to test your configuration
- • Don't leave unused rules enabled