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How to Find and Use the Windows 10 Firewall
Protect your computer while controlling application access to the internet
By Joli Ballew Joli Ballew Writer University of Texas Joli Ballew is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and Microsoft MVP, Lynda.com trainer, Microsoft Press author, and college professor. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & Hardware What to Know
Change firewall settings under Windows Defender Settings. You can manually block programs, opt to let apps pass data through the firewall, and/or turn off the firewall completely under settings.Settings marked with a blue-and-gold shield require an administrator-level password to access. This article explains how to find and use Windows Defender firewall settings in Windows 10. We have separate instructions for using the Windows 11 Firewall. Why and How to Access Firewall Options
Windows Defender Firewall offers several settings that you can configure: Manually block a program that’s allowed by default, such as Microsoft Tips or Get Office. When you block these programs you, in essence, disable them. If you’re not a fan of the reminders you get to buy Microsoft Office, or if the tips are distracting, you can make them disappear. Opt to let apps pass data through your computer that aren’t permitted by default. This customization often occurs with third-party apps you install like iTunes because Windows requires your permission to allow both installation and passage. But, the features can also be Windows-related such as the option to use Hyper-V to create virtual machines or Remote Desktop to access your computer remotely. Turn off the firewall completely. Do this if you opt to use a different vendor's security suite, like the anti-virus programs offered by McAfee or Norton. This frequently ships as a free trial on new PCs and users often sign up. You should also disable the Windows Firewall if you’ve installed an alternative. Don’t disable the Windows Defender Firewall unless you have another one in place, and don't run several firewalls at the same time. Change Windows Firewall Settings
When you’re ready to make changes to Windows Firewall, type Windows Defender in the Search area of the Taskbar then select Windows Defender Settings from the list. From the Windows Defender Firewall area, you can do several things. The option to Turn Windows Firewall On or Off is in the left pane. It’s a good idea to check here every now and then to see if the firewall is indeed enabled. Some malware, should it get by the firewall, can turn it off without your knowledge. Simply click to verify and then use the back arrow to return to the main firewall screen. You can also restore the defaults if you’ve changed them. The option Restore Defaults, again in the left pane, offers access to these settings. Settings marked with a blue-and-gold shield require an administrator-level password to access. How to Allow an App Through the Windows Defender Firewall
When you allow an app in Windows Defender Firewall you choose to allow it to pass data through your computer based on whether you’re connected to a private network or a public one, or both. If you select only Private for the allow option, you can use the app or feature when connected to a private network, such as one in your home or office. If you choose Public, you can access the app while connected to a public network, such as a network in a coffee shop or hotel. As you’ll see here, you can also choose both. To allow an app through the Windows Firewall: Open the Start menu, and locate Start Defender Security Center. Select it. When the security center opens, select Firewall & network protection. You'll arrive on the firewall page. Near the bottom, there will be a few options displayed less prominently in smaller font. From them, select Allow an App Through Firewall. The next screen you see will contain a large table of apps on your system. Each will have two check boxes next to it. Press Change Settings in the upper right of the table, and type an administrator password if prompted. Locate the app to allow. It won’t have a check mark beside it. Select the checkbox(es) to allow the entry. There are two options Private and Public. Start with Private only and select Public later if you don’t get the results you want. Press OK. How to Block a Program with the Windows Defender Firewall
The Windows Firewall allows some Windows 10 apps and features to pass data into and out of a computer without any user input or configuration. These include Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Photos, and necessary features like Core Networking and Windows Defender Security Center. Other Microsoft apps like Cortana might require you to give your explicit permissions when you first use them, though. This approval opens the required ports in the firewall, among other things. You can withdraw your consent to bypass the firewall, however. To block a program on a Windows 10 computer: Within the Windows Defender Firewall applet, select Allow and App Through Firewall. Press Change Settings and type an administrator password if prompted. Locate the app to block. It will have a check mark beside it. Select the checkbox(es) to disallow the entry. There are two options — Private and Public. Select both. Press OK. After you’ve completed this process, the apps you’ve selected are blocked based on the network types you’ve selected. To manage the Windows 7 Firewall, refer to the article “Finding and Using the Windows 7 Firewall”. Why Are Firewalls Important
In the physical world, a firewall is a wall designed specifically to stop or prevent the spread of existing or approaching flames. When a threatening fire reaches the firewall, the wall maintains its ground and protects what’s behind it. Windows Defender does the same thing, except with data—or more specifically, data packets. One of its jobs is to look at what’s trying to come into and pass out of the computer from websites and email, and decide if that data is dangerous or not. If it deems the data acceptable, it lets it pass. Data that could be a threat to the stability of the computer or the information on it is denied. It is a line of defense, just as a physical firewall is. This, however, is a very simplistic explanation of a very technical subject. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Disable the Windows Firewall in Windows How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error How to Fix an Authentication Error in Minecraft The 9 Best Free Antivirus Software of 2022 9 Best Free Firewall Programs (Updated October 2022) How to Turn Off and Disable the Windows 11 Firewall Windows 10 Action Center: How to Use It How to Find and Use the Windows 11 Firewall Does Windows 10 Need Antivirus Protection? How to Set up Parental Controls in Windows 10 How to Find the Windows Administrator Password How to Fix a "Failed to Obtain IP Address" Android Error How to Fix It When Google Chrome Is Not Responding How to Open an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies