Want to allow ping requests to your computer? Here is how to configure Windows Firewall to allow ping requests (ICMP Echo Requests).
Ping requests allow other devices know if a computer is alive on the network. Windows Firewall sees it as a security risk in its default state and blocks all ping requests coming to your computer. Which, in turn, blocks others on the network from knowing if your computer is alive or not. Generally, this is a good thing, and most users never need to worry about ping requests.
However, what if you want to allow pings to your computer? For example, maybe you are running a media server and want to know if it is alive at specific intervals. In those kinds of situations, you can configure Windows Firewall to allow pings. This is much better than completely disabling the firewall. Once allowed, you can ping from another device, and your computer will respond to those requests letting you know that it is alive on the network.
Note: You need admin permissions to change firewall settings.
How does the ping command work?
When you ping another computer on the network, your device will send special packets called ICMP Echo Requests. Once the target computer sees these special packets, it will respond appropriately with ICMP Echo Reply packets. When the first device receives these reply packets, it will know the target computer is alive and connected to the network.
As you can guess, though helpful, letting others on the network know your computer is alive is considered a security risk. However, if you know what you are doing and are on a trusted network, allowing pings is entirely possible with Windows Firewall.
Allow Pings in Windows Firewall
To allow pings in Windows Firewall, you have to create a new custom rule to exclude the program from blocking ICMP Echo Requests. You can do that from Windows Firewall Advanced Settings. Here is how to do it.
First thing, we need to open the Windows Firewall. To do that, press the Start key, search for “Windows Defender Firewall,” and click on the result.
Click the “Advanced Settings” link on the sidebar in the Firewall window to open the Advanced Firewall Settings.
We need to create a new custom rule. So, select “Inbound Rules” on the left sidebar and then click on the “New Rule” option on the right sidebar.
Select “Custom Rules” in the Rule Type section and hit the “Next” button. This action will guide you through creating a new custom rule.
We want to allow all programs. So, select the “All Programs” option and click “Next.”
In the Protocol and Ports step, select “ICMPv4” from the “Protocol type” dropdown menu. After that, click the “Customize” button.
Select the “Specific ICMP types” option and then choose the “Echo Request” option. Make sure all other checkboxes are unchecked. Click “Ok” to confirm the changes.
Click “Next” in the Protocol and Ports window.
Let the default options be in the “Scope” window and hit the “Next” button.
Under the “Action” step, select the “Allow the connection” option. Press “Next” to go to the next step.
Select all three options under the “Profile” step. Click the “Next” button.
Finally, type a name and description of your choice for the rule and click the “Finish” button. Since the name appears in the Rules section of the main window, make sure it is short and descriptive so that it is easy to recognize and you don’t get confused.
That is it. From now on, Windows Firewall will allow pings. Whenever you ping your computer from another device, it will respond appropriately to let you know it is alive.
If you ever need to disallow pings, find the newly created rule in the Windows Firewall Advanced Settings, right-click on it and select the “Disable” option.
I hope that helps.
If you need any help, comment below, and I will try to help.
