Configuring Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to computers in a network. The Windows operating system has built-in Firewall settings that allow users to control which applications can connect to the internet. By default, Windows will automatically enable connections for known applications. The users can also manually configure the firewall to add inbound or outbound rules to specific applications.

Some networks use the software firewall provided by Microsoft Windows, others use a software firewall provided by a different vendor (as shown in the following image), and high-security networks include hardware firewalls.

To turn Microsoft Defender Firewall ON or OFF, refer Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off - Microsoft Support.

The following procedure will help you through the steps to configure the Windows Firewall in Windows Server to allow user access to SQL Server.

1. Click Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > Server Manager. The Server Manager appears

2. In Server Manager, expand the Configurations tab and Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

   Open

   

3. Right-click Inbound Rules and click New Rule. The New Inbound Rule Wizard appears.

   Open

   

4. On the New Inbound Rule Wizard's Rule Type page, select the Port option to control connections for a TCP or UDP Port. Click Next to continue with the wizard. The Protocol and Ports page appears.

    

5. On the Protocol and Ports page, specify the protocols and ports to which this rule applies. Because SQL Server, when installed as a default instance, uses port 1433 as the default port, choose the TCP option and then specify a specific port number.

6. Click Next to continue with the wizard.

7. On the Action page, specify the action to be taken when a connection matches the conditions specified in this rule. In this case, choose to Allow the connection and click Next.

8. The Profile page appears. On the Profile page, select Domain, and click Next. The Name page appears.

9. Provide a meaningful name and description. For example:
   Name: SQL Server 2019 default Port 1433
   Description (Optional): Enable SQL Server 2019 Default Port (1433) for user connectivity.

10. Click Finish to complete the wizard
    After the wizard configuration is complete, you will be able to see the new rule available under Inbound Rules.

11. Repeat Steps 3 through 10 to set the UDP Port to 1434

12. Repeat Steps 3 through 10 to set the TCP Port to 2025, to enable connection from remote workstations

Similar to the inbound rule in Windows firewall that blocks any port from accessing your system, you can create an outbound rule. You can block all incoming connections to your computer, even for allowed apps, which is useful in certain situations. For example, if you plan anyone from browsing the internet, you could create a new outbound connection rule in Windows 10 firewall that blocks port 80.

Here is a table that lists the Ports, TCP, UDP and their corresponding service used in Velocity.