> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark/spikemark-installation/windows-settings.md).
# Windows Settings
{% hint style="danger" %}
**DO NOT** just open your show file
**ALWAYS** open Spikemark through the Start Menu or Task Bar and then use **File>Open** to open your show
This will ensure that your show and machinery load properly in the software.
{% endhint %}
## Windows Security Settings
Allow Spikemark to communicate through **Windows Defender Firewall**
### Add an app from the list of allowed apps
1. Select the Start menu , type **`Allow an app through Windows Firewall`**, and select 
1. Windows+R --> **`firewall.cpl`** --> Allow an App through Windows Firewall
2. Select . You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
3. Scroll down to **Spikemark** and **Spikemark\_Pendant\_Port**. 
4. Check any boxes that are blank and select  to save.
**-- if Spikemark is not on the list --**
4. Select  and Browse or enter the path for the app. Select **SpikeMark.exe** and click  then 
1. Default location is **`C:\Program Files\Spikemark`**
5. Return to **Step 3** above to allow Spikemark through.
### Open a port
1. Select the Start menu , type **`Windows Defender Firewall`**, and select 
* Windows+R --> **`firewall.cpl`**
2. Select on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
3. Select .
4. To open a port, select  and complete the instructions.
1.  then select 
2. Browse for the path to where you installed Spikemark. If you used the default location, copy this into the window: **`%ProgramFiles%\Spikemark\SpikeMark.exe`** then select 
3. Select  then select 
4. Check all boxes for **When does this rule apply?** then select 
5. Name the rule **`Spikemark`**  and select 
### Allow UDP in Spikemark
1. Select the Start menu , type **`Windows Defender Firewall`**, and select 
* Windows+R --> **`firewall.cpl`**
2. Select on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice
3. Select 
4. Scroll to **Spikemark** left click to select it. It wil highlight blue
5. Copy and past the rule using **CTRL+C** then **CTRL+V**
6. Click  in the header **2x** (not double click) to refresh the list
7. Select either Spikemark rule then select  from the right hand Actions menu
8. Select the **Protocols and Ports** menu at the top, then change the **Protocol type:** to **UDP** using the dropdown menu and select  to save
### **Open Port for Spikemark Pendant**
1. Select the Start menu , type **`Windows Defender Firewall`**, and select 
* Windows+R --> **`firewall.cpl`**
2. Select on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice
3. Select 
4. To open a port, select  and complete the instructions.
1.  then select 
2. Select  then type **`8080`** into  then select 
3. Select  then select 
4. Check all boxes for **When does this rule apply?** then select 
5. Name the rule **`Spikemark_Pendant_Port`**  and select 
## Windows Update
{% hint style="success" %}
Even though we turn it off so that it does not interfere with our network or running a show, it is best practice to keep [Windows up to date](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-windows-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a).
[**Check for Windows Updates Now**](ms-settings:windowsupdate?activationSource=SMC-IA-4027667)
{% endhint %}
Turn off Windows Update through the Services App
1. Select the Start menu, type **services**, and select it from the list of results
2. Scroll down the list of Services to **Windows Update** and select it
3. Select the option to **Stop**** the service**
{% hint style="info" %}
If the service is already off, it will show the option to **Start** **the service.** In this case, you don't need to do anything!
{% endhint %}
## Windows Power Settings
It is best practice to make sure that your computer is as responsive as possible:
1. Window+R -->
```
control.exe powercfg.cpl,,3
```
2. Change the following settings for each power plan from the drop down menu 
3.
```
```
## Windows Network Adapters
We recommend turning off any network adapters that are not being used by Spikemark to avoid network interference
1. **Windows+R** --> **`ncpa.cpl`**
2. **Right click** on each unused network adapter and select 
Disabled adapters are greyed out and say Disabled
{% hint style="danger" %}
If you use a VPN, this must also be disabled to connect in Spikemark
{% endhint %}
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