You can control Windows Firewall through the Settings app.
Here's a detailed guide on how to turn Windows Firewall on or off, based on information from Microsoft:
Turning Windows Firewall On or Off
You can manage Windows Firewall settings through the Windows Settings app. Here's how:
- Open Settings: Select Start, then open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Network Settings: Go to "Network & Internet" and then to the "Windows Firewall" section.
- Select a Network Profile: Choose the appropriate network profile:
- Domain network: For networks used in business environments.
- Private network: For your home or trusted networks.
- Public network: For networks in public places like coffee shops or airports.
- Turn On/Off:
- To turn the firewall on, switch the setting under "Microsoft Defender Firewall" to On.
- To turn it off, switch the setting to Off.
Important Considerations:
- Security Risk: Turning off Windows Firewall can make your computer (and your network, if you have one) more vulnerable to damage from viruses and malware. Be cautious about disabling it, especially on public networks.
- Application Permissions: If you're having trouble with an application accessing the internet, consider adding an exception for that application in the Windows Firewall settings instead of turning the firewall off completely.