Windows Server: Check Which Ports Are Listening

The problem

Unexpected listening ports can reveal services that are no longer needed.

Recommended approach

Use PowerShell or netstat to inventory listeners and map each port to a process and service. Then compare the result with the intended application design.

Step-by-step checklist

1. List listening TCP/UDP ports.
2. Map important ports to process IDs.
3. Identify the service behind each process.
4. Remove or disable unused services.
5. Align Windows Firewall rules with the final design.