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- Windows Server 2008/2003/2000/XP/NT Administrator Knowledge Base
  - Windows 2003
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      - Active Directory
        Default Dynamic Port Range

Section(s): Active Directory , Administrator, Active Directory , Admin , Active Directory, Admin
Published on Dec 23, 2010.
Last Modified on Oct 31, 2009.
Last Modified by Nirmal Sharma.
Rated 4 out of 5 based on 2 votes.

This article explains the default dynamic port range used by the client computers.

Dynamic Port Range is used by the client computers (or a server acting as a client) to connect to Well Known Port Services or Root Services. A DNS Server is acting as a Server and listening on a specific Well Known Port (Port TCP and UDP 53). The Dynamic Port Range used by the client computers depend on the version of Operating Systems.

Port Range: 1024-65535

This port range is used by the computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows Server 2003. A client computer running this version will always pick a port from the above mentioned Dynamic Port Range.

Port Range: 49152-65535

The Dynamic Port Range has been changed in the Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. By default, a fresh Windows Server 2008 installation will have this Dynamic Port Range configured. To see the port range, you can use the following commands:

NetSh INT IPV4 Show DynamicPort TCP
NetSh INT IPV4 Show DynamicPort UDP

To set or change the Dynamic Port Range:

NetSh INT IPV4 SET DynamicPort TCP Start=1024 num=65535
NetSh INT IPV4 SET DynamicPort UDP Start=1024 num=65535

About Nirmal Sharma

Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.