Virtual private network, or “VPN” are used by millions of internet users around the world to encrypt and secure their data when they are connected to the internet. In addition, VPNs help users bypass geo-restrictions and access any blocked web content in complete anonymity. On the other hand, a lot of users face some technical difficulties while trying to install their VPN software clients on their Windows systems. In most cases, Windows firewall tends to block VPN connections by default. In this tutorial, we will show you how to fix this issue step-by-step.
I) First Method
1- From your task bar, click on the “Search” icon, and then type “Control Panel“.
2- Next, click on “System Security“.
3- Click on ” Windows Firewall“.
4- From the menu panel on the left, click on “Allow an app or a feature through Windows Firewall“. You will be directed to a window in which you can allow or prevent any application through your Windows firewall.
5- Click on “Change settings“, and insert your admin’s username and password to continue.
6- You will find a list of programs and applications, check on the VPN app. you want to allow through your firewall. Make sure to check either “Public” or “Private” or both to select the network type on which you want the selected program to run.
7- If you cannot find your VPN client on the list, then click on “Allow another app“.
8- Select the VPN app (e.g: bVPN), and then click on “Add“.
9- Click “OK”.
You have successfully enabled your VPN application on your Windows firewall.
II) Second Method
1- From “Start” menu, click on “Control Panel” and then select “Network and Sharing Center“.
2- On the left side menu panel, click on “Change adapter settings“.
3- Click on “File“, and then select “New Incoming Connection“.
4- The network wizard will be displayed. In this step, you need to first select all users you want to have access to your VPN connection.
5- Once you are done with that step, check on “Through the internet”, and then click on “Next”.
6- A list of protocols will be displayed, now mark the internet protocols you would like your VPN to connect to. Make sure to double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)“.
7- A screen will then appear called “Incoming IP Properties“. Make sure to set the properties same as those displayed on the following image:
8- You have now reached the final step in the wizard. Click on “Finish” to save all the changes that you have made.
9- Go to “Control Panel” one more time, and then select “Windows Firewall“.
10- Now, click on “Advanced settings” from the left panel menu.
11- Click on “Inbound Rules” ===> “Actions“, and then click on “New Rule“.
12- You will be directed into another “Wizard“. Firstly, choose “Port“, and then click on “Next“.
Most VPN service providers use these ports: 500 and 4500 for UDP and port 1723 for TCP. If these ports do not work, then you will need to contact your VPN administrator to find out which port number you should use. We will just use TCP 1723 as an example for illustration purposes.
13- Choose “TCP” and insert “1723” in the “Specific remote ports” field, and then click on “Next“.
14- Now, choose “Allow the connection“, and then click “Next“.
15- You will be then asked “When does this rule apply?“, select all options (Domain, Private, Public) to apply the rule to all.
16- Choose a name and description as you prefer and fill them in the “Name” and “Description” fields.
17- Click on “Finish”.
Congratulations! You have successfully configured your firewall to accept your VPN connection.
