OpenVPN Windows Firewall Settings
OpenVPN is a popular VPN (Virtual Private Network) software that allows users to securely connect to remote networks. When using OpenVPN on a Windows computer, it is important to ensure that the software is able to communicate through the Windows firewall. In this article, we will discuss how to set up the Windows firewall to allow OpenVPN connections.
Step 1: Open Windows Firewall Settings
To begin, open the Windows Firewall settings on your computer. You can do this by typing “Firewall” into the Windows search bar and selecting “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Step 2: Create an Inbound Rule
Once you have opened the Windows Firewall settings, click on “Advanced settings” on the left-hand side of the window. This will open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window.
Next, click on “Inbound Rules” in the left-hand pane, and then click on “New Rule” in the right-hand pane. This will open the New Inbound Rule Wizard.
Choose the “Port” option and click “Next.” Select “UDP” as the protocol and enter the port number that OpenVPN uses (by default, this is 1194). Click “Next” and then “Allow the connection.” Click “Next” again, give the rule a name (such as “OpenVPN”), and click “Finish.”
Step 3: Create an Outbound Rule
Follow the same steps as above, but this time, choose “Outbound Rules” and create a new rule for OpenVPN. Make sure to select the UDP protocol and the correct port number.
Step 4: Test the Connection
Once you have created both the inbound and outbound rules for OpenVPN in the Windows firewall, it is important to test the connection. Connect to your VPN server using OpenVPN and ensure that the connection is successful.
Conclusion
Setting up the Windows firewall to allow OpenVPN connections is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the security and functionality of your VPN. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that OpenVPN is able to communicate through the Windows firewall without any issues.
Thank you for reading this guide on OpenVPN Windows firewall settings. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.