Like its predecessors, Windows 11 also comes with a built-in firewall that Windows Defender manages. This firewall protects your computer from malware attacks and all sorts of malicious applications when you connect to the internet. It uses predefined rules to protect your computer from harmful applications.
Some third-party antivirus also comes with their own firewall. When you install it, the Windows firewall automatically gets disabled. If you stop antivirus or uninstall from your PC, the firewall will activate and start protecting your computer. That’s the beauty of Windows Firewall.
However, if you cannot open the internet or there is any problem on your PC, and you suspect that the firewall may be the leading cause, you may disable it. In this gearupwindows guide, we will explain how to enable and disable Windows Firewall according to your needs.
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How to Permanently Disable Windows 11 Firewall?
If you have purchased a third-party firewall or, due to some reason, if you want to disable the Windows 11 firmware permanently, do the following:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing
Step 2. Then, click the
Step 3. After that, select the
Step 4. Next, click on the
Step 5. When you’re done, the “Windows Security” window will open. Click on the
Step 6. On the next screen, you can view all the settings related to Windows Defender Firewall.
Here, click the link
Step 7. Toggle “Microsoft Defender Firewall” toggle to
Step 8. When Windows prompts with the “User Account Control” dialog, click the
That’s it. Windows 11 Firewall is disabled permanently until you manually turn it On.
How to Disable Windows 11 Firewall for Individual Apps?
If you want to disable Windows 11 Firewall for individual apps or want to permit some of the apps on the firewall, do the following:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing
Step 2. Then click the
Step 3. After that, select the
Step 4. Next, click on the
Step 5. When you’re done, the “Windows Security” window will open. Click on the
Step 6. On the next screen, you can view all the settings related to Windows Defender Firewall.
Here, click the link
Step 7. After that “Allowed apps” window will open. On this screen, click the button
Step 8. Then, click on the checkbox(s) beside the apps or feature name on the list to allow the app access to the internet for your default profile. Check or uncheck the respective checkboxes if you also wish to enable it for only the “Private” or “Public” profile or both. When you’re done, click the
Step 9. If an application or program is not listed here and you want to allow or disallow it through the firewall, click the
Step 10. In the pop-up “Add an app” window, click the
Step 11. Then, click on the checkbox beside that program in the list to allow or disallow access to the internet. Check or uncheck the respective checkboxes if you also wish to enable it for only the “Private” or “Public” profile or both. When you’re done, click the
How to Restore Windows 11 Firewall Settings to Default?
If you have made several changes and you are messed up with that and want to restore the default settings of the firewall, do the following:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing
Step 2. Then, click the
Step 3. After that, select the
Step 4. Next, click on the
Step 5. When you’re done, the “Windows Security” window will open. Click on the
Step 6. On the next screen, you can view all the settings related to Windows Defender Firewall.
Here, click the link
Step 7. After that, a new window will open. There click the
Step 8. Finally, click the
That’s it. Now the Windows 11 Firewall is restored to default.
