How to Block uTorrent

The uTorrent freeware software application is BitTorrent client used for peer-to-peer file sharing. With uTorrent, you can connect through the Internet to download computer files you don't have and allow others to upload files you do have. The uTorrent application connects to the Internet through a particular router port specified in uTorrent's configuration information. You can block the uTorrent application from connecting to the Internet by closing the port it uses to connect.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open the uTorrent application. Click the "Options" link in the menu bar; then click the "Preferences" link in the drop-down menu. This opens the Preferences window.

2. Click the "Connection" link in the left-side navigation pane of the Preferences window. This sets the right-side details pane to the Connection view. Note the port number in the text box next to "Port used for incoming connections." This is the port to close on your router.

3. Open your router administration firmware. Typically, you can access the firmware by opening a browser to the IP address 192.168.1.1 and following the login prompts.

4. Enter the port number that uTorrent uses to connect to the Internet and close it in the router's firmware. The particular page used to close ports will vary depending on your router's manufacturer. For example, Linksys router firmware performs this function on the Access Restrictions page.

5. Apply the changes you have made to your router's firmware to complete the process.

References

• "uTorrent User Manual"; uTorrent Version 1.8.2; San Francisco: BitTorrent Inc., 2009.

Resources

• uTorrent homepage