Config - Windows Firewall Configuration

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring Windows Firewall on your local computer to ensure proper communication between the Softdrive Desktop Client and the server. The application Softdriveclient.exe should be allowed through Windows Firewall. While the Softdrive installation typically handles this automatically, if it hasn’t been configured, you can follow the steps in this guide to set it up manually. 

Step 1 – Open Windows Defender Firewall

1. Press Windows Key + S and type:

   Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
   

2. Click Open.

Step 2 – Create a New Inbound Rule

1. In the left panel, click Inbound Rules.

2. In the right panel under Actions, click New Rule….

Step 3 – Choose Rule Type

1. In the New Inbound Rule Wizard, select Program.

2. Click Next.

Step 4 – Select the Program Path

1. Select This program path.

2. Click Browse and navigate to the location of softdriveclient.exe (example path):

   C:\users\%username%\appdata\local\programs\softdrive-launcher\resources\bin\softdriveclient.exe
   

3. Click Next.

Step 5 – Allow the Connection

1. Select Allow the connection.

2. Click Next.

Step 6 – Apply Rule to Profiles

1. Check the profiles where you want this rule active:

   • Domain – for computers connected to an organization domain.

   • Private – for trusted networks (e.g., home or work).

   • Public – for public/untrusted networks.

2. Click Next.

Step 7 – Name the Rule

1. Enter a descriptive name, e.g.:

   SoftdriveClient – Allow Port
   

2. (Optional) Add a description for reference.

3. Click Finish.