When working with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft cloud services, it is essential to whitelist Microsoft IP addresses to ensure smooth communication. If these IP addresses are not allowed through your firewall, important traffic may be blocked, resulting in service disruptions.
This article explains step-by-step how to add Microsoft IP addresses to Windows Firewall inbound rules, along with the official Microsoft reference link for the most up-to-date IP address ranges.
Why Whitelisting Microsoft IP Addresses is Important
Microsoft services such as Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint Online rely on a wide range of dynamic IP addresses. Whitelisting these addresses helps:
- Prevent firewall from blocking Microsoft traffic.
- Ensure uninterrupted communication with Microsoft services.
- Improve reliability and availability of Microsoft 365 applications.
- Avoid downtime caused by restricted network access.
Official Microsoft IP Address List
Microsoft frequently updates its IP address ranges. Always refer to the official Microsoft endpoint service for the latest list:
Steps to Whitelist Microsoft IP Addresses in Windows Firewall
Follow these steps to allow Microsoft IPs through your firewall:
- Open Windows Firewall
- Press Win + R, type firewall.cpl, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Inbound Rules
- In the left panel, click on Inbound Rules.
- Create a New Rule
- Click New Rule… in the right-hand panel.
- Select Custom Rule and continue.
- Configure the Scope
- In the Scope tab, under “Remote IP address,” add the Microsoft IP addresses obtained from the official link.
- Complete the Rule Setup
- Allow the connection.
- Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public profiles.
- Give the rule a descriptive name, such as Microsoft IP Whitelist.
Final Notes
- Always keep your firewall rules up to date, as Microsoft IP addresses change periodically.
- Use the official Microsoft endpoint link above to fetch the most recent IP ranges.
- For larger environments, consider automating updates using Microsoft’s Office 365 IP and URL web service.
By properly whitelisting Microsoft IP addresses, you ensure secure, reliable, and uninterrupted access to Microsoft cloud services.