# Configuring your firewall on Windows 7

By default Windows will prompt you to allow Signal to receive incoming connections the first time the application is run. Selecting the default allow option will automatically create an exception for Signal in the Windows Firewall. However, if the firewall has been set to “Block all incoming connections” this will block all applications from receiving incoming connections, including Signal.

## To verify Windows Firewall settings:

1. Click on the Start Menu, click Control Panel, click System and Security, then click Windows Firewall.
2. If the firewall is off, no further action is needed.
3. If the firewall is on, make note of which type of network you are connected to ("Public" or "Home or Work")
4. Verify that the Incoming Connections setting states that it will allow connections from the list of allowed programs. If it does not, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off", then uncheck the "Block all incoming connections" option for the network type you are connected to, then click OK.
5. Click "Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall"
6. In the allowed programs list, verify that there is an entry for Signal and that a check mark appears next to it for the network type you are connected to.
7. If there is no entry for Signal, click "Allow another program...".
8. Select Signal from the dialog that appears and click OK.

In addition to the built-in Windows Firewall there are a number of third-party firewall solutions available, one of these may have been pre-installed on your computer or added as part of an internet security package. If any other firewall software is in use please consult the application’s documentation to determine how to add Signal as an exception. Signal uses TCP port 3569.