Configure Windows Firewall for remote debugging

Applies to: Visual Studio Visual Studio for Mac

On a network protected by Windows Firewall, the firewall must be configured to permit remote debugging. Visual Studio and the remote debugging tools try to open the correct firewall ports during installation or startup, but you may also need to open ports or allow apps manually.

This topic describes how to configure the Windows firewall to enable remote debugging on Windows 10, 8/8.1, and 7; and Windows Server 2012 R2, 2012, and 2008 R2 computers. The Visual Studio and remote computer don't have to be running the same operating system. For example, the Visual Studio computer can run Windows 11, and the remote computer can run Windows Server 2012 R2.

Configure ports for remote debugging

Visual Studio and the remote debugger try to open the correct ports during installation or startup. However, in some scenarios, such as a third-party firewall, you may need to open ports manually.

To open a port:

1. In Windows Start menu, search for and open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Starting in Windows 10, this is Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

2. For a new incoming port, select Inbound Rules and then select New Rule. For an outgoing rule, select Outbound Rules instead.

3. In the New Inbound Rule Wizard, select Port, and then select Next.

4. Select either TCP or UDP, depending on the port number from the following tables.

5. Under Specific local ports, enter a port number from the following tables, and select Next.

6. Select Allow the Connection, and then select Next.

7. Select one or more network types to enable, including the network type for the remote connection, and then select Next.

8. Add a name for the rule (for example, msvsmon, IIS, or Web Deploy), and then select Finish.

   The new rule should appear and be selected in the Inbound Rules or Outbound Rules list.

To open a port using PowerShell:

For Windows Firewall, you can use PowerShell commands such as New-NetFirewallRule.

Ports on the remote computer that enable remote debugging

For remote debugging, the following ports must be open on the remote computer:

If you select Use Managed Compatibility Mode under Tools > Options > Debugging, open these additional remote debugger ports. Debugger Managed Compatibility Mode enables a legacy, Visual Studio 2010 version of the debugger.

If your domain policy requires network communication to be performed through IPSec, you must open additional ports on both the Visual Studio and remote computers. To debug on a remote IIS web server, open port 80 on the remote computer.

To allow specific apps through the Windows firewall, see Configure remote debugging through Windows Firewall.

Configure remote debugging through Windows firewall

You can install the remote debugging tools on the remote computer, or run them from a shared folder. In either case, the remote computer firewall must be configured correctly.

On a remote computer, the remote debugging tools are in:

<Visual Studio installation directory>\Common7\IDE\Remote Debugger\<x86, x64, or Appx>

Allow and configure the remote debugger through Windows Firewall

1. In Windows Start menu, search for and open Windows Firewall, or Windows Defender Firewall.

2. Select Allow an app through Windows Firewall.

3. If Remote Debugger or Visual Studio Remote Debugger doesn't appear under Allowed apps and features, select Change settings, and then select Allow another app.

4. If the remote debugger app still isn't listed in the Add an app dialog, select Browse, and navigate to <Visual Studio installation directory>\Common7\IDE\Remote Debugger\<x86, x64, or Appx>, depending on the appropriate architecture for your app. Select msvsmon.exe, and then select Add.

5. In the Apps list, select the Remote Debugger that you just added. Select Network types, and then select one or more network types, including the network type for the remote connection.

6. Select Add, and then select OK.

Troubleshoot the remote debugging connection

If you can't attach to your app with the remote debugger, make sure the remote debugging firewall ports, protocols, network types, and app settings are all correct.

• In the Windows Start menu, search for and open Windows Firewall, and select Allow an app through Windows Firewall. Make sure Remote Debugger or Visual Studio Remote Debugger appears in the Allowed apps and features list with a selected check box, and the correct network types are selected. If not, add the correct apps and settings.

• In the Windows Start menu, search for and open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Make sure Remote Debugger or Visual Studio Remote Debugger appears under Inbound Rules (and optionally, Outbound Rules) with a green checkmark icon, and that all settings are correct.

  • To view or change the rule settings, right-click the Remote Debugger app in the list and select Properties. Use the Properties tabs to enable or disable the rule, or change port numbers, protocols, or network types.
  • If the remote debugger app doesn't appear in the rules list, add and configure the correct ports.

See also

• Remote debugging
• Visual Studio remote debugger port assignments