O.H. 671:7, based on Shabbat 21, rules that it is a Mitzvah to place the Chanukah candles to the left of one’s entrance-way. In such a way, the Mezuza is on the right side of the door, the Menora is on the left and therefore when one lights, one is surrounded by Mitzvot.

Chacham Avraham Azoulay (gloss to Levush § 671) comments that in most years, Parashat Miketz is read during Chanukah and that the word in the first verse “Shenatayim,” stands for “Semol Ner Tadlik Yemin Mezuza” (lit. “On the left light the candle, and to the right is the Mezuza”). Similarly, his great-grandson, the HIDA (Midbar Kedemot, Ma’arechet 8), writes that the word “Yamim”, which is also in the first verse of Miketz, alludes to “Yenichena Mitzad Yemin Hayotze” (lit. “One should place it (the Menora) to the right of one who is exiting [that is, opposite the Mezuza]”).. Nowadays, it is challenging to fulfill the Mitzvah of placing the Menora to the left of the entrance-way. For one thing, the main objective of placing the Menora at the entrance is for passersby to see it, which publicizes the miracle of Chanukah.

Since most home doors these days are not made of transparent glass, it would not accomplish this objective. As well, if one were to simply leave the door open, it would expose the Menora to wind, rain or snow, which could extinguish it.

So what is our conclusion? If one cannot place the Menora at the entrance place it near a window to fulfill the Mitzvah of publicizing the miracle.

Have a safe and Happy Chanukah!