How to Check Open TCP/IP Ports in Windows – How-To Geek

Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Using Command Prompt:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start button, select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the context menu.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   netstat -an | find "TCP" | find /i "listening"

3. The Command Prompt will display a list of all open TCP ports along with their IP addresses and port numbers.

Method 2: Using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start button, select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the context menu.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
   Get-NetTCPConnection | Where-Object {$_.State -eq "Listen"}

3. PowerShell will display a list of all open TCP ports along with their local and remote IP addresses and port numbers.

Note: In both methods, the “listening” state indicates that a particular TCP port is open and actively accepting incoming connections. Other states, such as “established” or “time_wait,” indicate different connection statuses.

Please keep in mind that some open ports are necessary for the proper functioning of various applications and services on your computer. However, if you suspect any unauthorized or suspicious open ports, you should investigate further or use a firewall to manage inbound and outbound connections.

As technology evolves, Windows features and interfaces may change with updates. If you encounter any differences or issues in the steps provided, refer to the official Microsoft documentation or support resources for the most up-to-date instructions on checking open TCP/IP ports in your Windows version.