Thread: how do i know what port a program is using?

as the title implies. how do i know what port a program is using so i can forward it or open in in my router's config. ty. i read about this tcpview but how do i use it? where are the port numbers?

Run cmd as admin and type:

netstat -b -a

That will show you a list of all executable using which port.

If you don't know how to run cmd with administrative rights...

search cmd and right-click > Run as Administator

or

Windows + r > type cmd > press enter while holding ctrl and shift

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Oh shoot seems like my answer is slightly irrelevant to your question. I'm going to leave it up just in case someone finds it useful though. I figure you need it to identify which existing software is using whatever port on your PC. Actually, this should work.

what program are we talking about here? Some you can set manually in the program so you tell it which port to use and therefore configure your router accordingly. Others its in the manual to the software or alternatively google it or use Portforward.com they have a list.

which one is the port? the numbers under process or the numbers under local address? and how do i know if i opened the right port?

you can use a port test, either by using a website or pinging it and seeing if it responds.


http://www.utorrent.com/testport?port=[whateverportyouwanttotest]

One nice program that gives you great overview of all running programs and ports they are using is Outpost Firewall Pro. It is great firewall with many good features, and in main window you can see which application is using which port [Used ports section].

User Ethicks gave you link above, where you can check is port forwarded properly.

Chech on google for more specification on this gret firewall I use for years. There is a free version I would not recommend, and non-free which I use.

The latest version of this program is 2009.