---
title: "Resolving “Client blocked by firewall“ Error in SSW Desktop Client"
slug: "resolving-client-blocked-by-firewall-error-in-ssw-desktop-client"
updated: 2026-06-22T13:58:19Z
published: 2026-06-22T13:58:19Z
canonical: "docs.ssw.splashtop.com/resolving-client-blocked-by-firewall-error-in-ssw-desktop-client"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ssw.splashtop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Resolving “Client blocked by firewall“ Error in SSW Desktop Client

When running the Secure Workspace (SSW) desktop client, users may encounter the error message:

---

> "Client blocked by firewall"

This typically indicates that the SSW process is being prevented from connecting to the network by the system firewall. Follow the steps below based on your operating system to resolve this issue.

---

## Windows

### Steps:

1. Open **Windows Security**.
2. Navigate to **Firewall & network protection**.
3. Click **Allow an app through firewall**.
4. Click **Change settings** (you may need administrator permission).
5. Click **Allow another app…** and then **Browse**.
6. Add the following executable:

```
C:\Program Files\Secure Workspace\resources\release\app\sdpc.exe
```

or, if you're using a 32-bit system or the app is installed in the (x86) path:

```
C:\Program Files (x86)\Secure Workspace\resources\release\app\sdpc.exe
```
7. If Secure Workspace is not installed in the default path, you can locate the correct directory by:
  - Right-clicking the Secure Workspace desktop shortcut
  - Selecting **Properties**
  - Checking the **Target** field to find the actual installation path
8. Ensure both **Private** and **Public** checkboxes are selected.
9. Click **Add**, then **OK**.

---

## macOS

### Steps:

1. Open **System Settings** > **Network** > **Firewall**.
2. If the firewall is enabled, click **Options…**.
3. Click the **“+”** button to add a new application.
4. Navigate to:

```
/Applications/Secure Workspace.app/Contents/Resources/release/app/sdpc
```
5. Add it, then confirm access as **Allow incoming connections**.

---

## Linux

### Default installation path:

```
/opt/SecureWorkspace/resources/release/app/sdpc
```

Ensure this binary has outbound network access via your firewall rules.

---

### Important:

In some environments, **firewall settings may be managed by third-party antivirus software** (e.g., McAfee, Symantec, CrowdStrike). In this case:

- You may **not see** the option to add apps to the firewall.
- Please **contact your IT administrator** to allow the `sdpc.exe` process through the firewall.

---

## Still Seeing the Error?

If the issue persists:

1. **Update** your SSW Desktop client to the latest version.
2. **Run the client in debug mode** to collect more diagnostic information.

### Windows

```
"C:\Program Files\Secure Workspace\Secure Workspace.exe" --sswdebug
```

### macOS

```
/Applications/Secure\ Workspace.app/Contents/MacOS/Secure\ Workspace --sswdebug
```

### Linux

```
/opt/SecureWorkspace/SecureWorkspace --sswdebug
```

After launching in debug mode, note any console output or error logs and share them with support if further assistance is needed.

---