Windows 7 / Networking

Configuring a Windows Firewall Exception for Remote Desktop

By default, Windows Firewall doesn't allow Remote Desktop connections. This is a sensible security precaution because connecting to someone's desktop gives you nearly complete control over that PC. To enable remote connections, you must configure a Windows Firewall exception for Remote Desktop.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Select Start, type firewall, and then select Windows Firewall in the search results. The Windows Firewall window appears.
  2. Click the Allow a Program or Feature Through Windows Firewall link.
  3. In Windows 7, click the Change Settings button; in Windows Vista, enter your User Account Control (UAC) credentials to continue.
  4. Activate the check box beside Remote Desktop.
  5. Click OK. Windows enables the firewall exception for Remote Desktop.
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In this tutorial:

  1. Remote Network Connections
  2. Setting Up the Remote Computer as a Host
  3. Configuring Windows 7 or Vista to Act as a Remote Desktop Host
  4. Configuring a Windows Firewall Exception for Remote Desktop
  5. Activating the Remote Desktop Service
  6. Configuring XP to Act as a Remote Desktop Host
  7. Installing Remote Desktop on an XP Client Computer
  8. Connecting to the Remote Desktop
  9. Making an Advanced Connection
  10. Working with the Connection Bar
  11. Connecting to a Remote Desktop via the Internet
  12. Changing the Listening Port
  13. Configuring Windows Firewall
  14. Setting Up Port Forwarding
  15. Configuring a Network Computer for Remote Administration
  16. Configuring a Network Gateway for VPN
  17. Configuring the VPN Client
  18. Making the VPN Connection