# Enable TCP/IP and open port 1433

In most cases, Microsoft SQL Server will be running on a remote computer. You need to enable TCP/IP for the SQL Server instance and open port 1433 in the Windows firewall to allow the RMH apps to communicate with SQL Server.

{% hint style="warning" %}
This topic demonstrates how to enable TCP/IP in **SQL Server Configuration Manager** and how to open port 1433 in **Windows Defender Firewall**. It is provided as an example only. There are many ways to enable TCP/IP and open port 1433. Refer to the official Microsoft documentation for managing protocols and opening ports.
{% endhint %}

## Enable TCP/IP

1. Open **SQL Server Configuration Manager**.
2. In the left pane, expand **SQL Server Network Configuration**.
3. Click **Protocols for \<SQL Server instance name>**.
4. In the right pane, right-click **TCP/IP** and select **Enable**.
5. A warning dialog displays with the message **Any changes made will be saved; however, they will not take effect until the service is stopped and restarted**. Click **OK**.
6. In the left pane, click **SQL Server Services**.
7. In the right pane, right-click **SQL Server** and select **Restart**.

## Open port 1433

1. Open **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security**.
2. Click **Inbound Rules**.
3. Under **Actions**, click **New Rule**.
4. Select **Port** and click **Next**.
5. Select **TCP**.
6. Select **Specific local ports**, enter **1433**, and click **Next**.
7. Select **Allow connection** and click **Next**.
8. Accept all defaults (Domain, Private, Public) and click **Next**.
9. Enter a **Name** for the rule.
10. (Optional) Enter a **Description** for the rule.
11. Click **Finish**.


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