Port 5985: WinRM
Port 5985 is WinRM over HTTP, used to remotely run PowerShell commands and manage Windows machines. Because the traffic is unencrypted on this port, production environments should use the TLS version on port 5986 instead.
TCPRemote accessUnencrypted by defaultIANA assigned
| Port number | 5985 |
|---|---|
| Service | Windows Remote Management (HTTP) |
| Protocol | TCP |
| Category | Remote access |
| Default encryption | No |
Security note. Port 5985 is not encrypted by default. Restrict it to trusted networks, or use an encrypted alternative where one exists, to avoid exposing credentials and data in transit.
Frequently asked questions
What is port 5985 used for?
Port 5985 is WinRM over HTTP, used to remotely run PowerShell commands and manage Windows machines. Because the traffic is unencrypted on this port, production environments should use the TLS version on port 5986 instead.
Is port 5985 TCP or UDP?
Port 5985 (WinRM) uses TCP.
Is port 5985 secure?
Port 5985 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.
Should I open port 5985 on my firewall?
Only if you specifically need WinRM. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.