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Adjusting firewalls on Windows for Airfoil and Airfoil Satellite

When using Airfoil and Airfoil Satellite on machines with one or more firewalls, you may need to adjust the firewall's settings. Most computers running Windows have at least two firewalls running; the built-in Windows firewall and a 3rd party firewall from a company like Symantec or McAfee.

In order for Airfoil and Airfoil Satellite to function properly, both firewalls will need to be configured to allow the applications access to other computers on your local network. To configure the built-in Windows firewall, please see the following instructions:

Windows 10 and Windows 8

Windows 7

Other Windows firewall software

If you're also using Airfoil for Mac or Airfoil Satellite for Mac, you may wish to see this Knowledge Base article as well.

On Windows 10 and Windows 8

1. From the Start screen, open "Control Panel".
2. Click "System and Security". Under the "Windows Firewall" section, click "Allow an app through Windows Firewall".
3. Next, look at the "Allowed programs and features" list.
4. Click the "Change settings" button.
5. Anywhere that Airfoil or Airfoil Satellite appears on that list, make sure that the box to the left of the list is checked, and that the box under "Home/Work (Private)" is checked.
6. For most setups, the box under "Public" does not need to be checked.
7. Click "OK". That should get you set, but make sure to adjust any other firewalls you're running as well.

On Windows 7

1. Click on the Start Menu and select "Control Panel".
2. Click the "Change settings" button.
3. Click "Security", then "Windows Firewall".
4. Look at the "Allowed programs and features" list.
5. Anywhere that Airfoil or Airfoil Satellite appears on that list, make sure that the box to the left of the list is checked, and that the box under "Home/Work (Private)" is checked.
6. Unless you have reason to believe otherwise, the box under "Public" need not be checked.
7. Click OK. That should get you set, but make sure to adjust any other firewalls you're running as well.

Other Windows firewall software

To configure a third party firewall, please see the firewall's documentation. Look for information on how to add a program to the exceptions list. Airfoil and Airfoil Satellite will both need to be added to that list.

If your firewall works with port numbers rather than program exceptions (check your firewall documentation to confirm this), you'll need to open TCP ports 5000 through 5005 and UDP ports 6000 through 6005.