When an unknown program or feature initially tries to access the internet the Windows 7 firewall displays a Windows Security Alert asking you if it should allow the program access to the internet.

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Here’s now to manually allow a program through the Windows firewall if you need to change these settings later.

Manually Allow a Program through Windows 7’s Firewall

1. Open Control Panel in the Start menu.
2. Open Windows Firewall in the Control Panel.

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   Note: If Windows Firewall is not available, change View by to Large icons at the top right of the Control Panel.

3. Select Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall in the left column of the Windows Firewall window.

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4. Click the Change settings button in the Allowed Programs window.

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5. Check off the program or feature and whether you want to open it up to a home/work (private), public, or both for all networks. Click OK to save the changes.

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Manually Allow an Unlisted Program through Windows 7’s Firewall

What if the program I want to allow through the Windows 7 firewall is not listed?

1. Follow the steps above.
2. When you get to the last step (above) click the Allow another program button.
3. Select the program from the Add a Program list or click Browse to find it, and then click Add.

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4. Check off whether you want to open it up to a home/work (private), public, or both for all networks and then click OK to save the settings.

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