Here is a list of the ports that need to be forwarded for Windows Media Server:
Windows Media Server - PC
- TCP: 3690
- UDP:
Setting Up a Port Forward for Windows Media Server
You might need to forward some ports in your router when you use Windows Media Server. The purpose of forwarding ports is to make a direct connection from the internet to Windows Media Server.
Routers do not generally allow incoming connection requests from the internet. Forwarding ports can work around this limitation.
Before You Forward a Port
Make sure that you know these things before forwarding a port:
- Your router's IP address.
- The IP address of your media server.
- The TCP and UDP ports that need to be forwarded.
Find the IP Address of Your Router
We have free Router Detector software to help you find your router's IP address. It's a part of the Network Utilities suite of tools and it's completely free to use.
We have a guide you can follow Find Your Router IP Address if you don't want to run the software.
Forwarding a Port for Windows Media Server
A smart way to forward your ports is to use Network Utilities. Network Utilities lets you manage port forwards by putting them in when you need them and also removing the ones that you no longer need which maximized network security.
Alternatively you can do it by hand. The way to forward a port is:
- Log in to your router.
- Locate the section in your router that deals with port forwarding.
- Put the IP address of your media server in the proper box in your router.
- It is now time to type the TCP and UDP ports that you are forwarding for Windows Media Server in the correct boxes in your router.
You probably will need to reboot your router for the changes to take effect.
You can choose your router from our list to see exactly how to forward ports for Windows Media Server:
List of Routers - Customized for Windows Media Server
That's all it takes to forward your ports for Windows Media Server.