Yes, Windows Defender (also known as Microsoft Defender) has a firewall available for extra protection. The Windows Defender Firewall provides an important layer of security and is included with all versions of the Windows operating system since Windows XP. The Windows Defender Firewall is designed to protect your computer, files, and network connections from unauthorised access. The firewall helps prevent malicious programs from accessing your computer, and it can also block specific types of incoming traffic.
The Windows Defender Firewall uses two different types of rules to determine how data is allowed to enter or leave your computer: inbound and outbound. Inbound rules specify which programs are allowed to receive incoming data, while outbound rules decide which programs are allowed to send data out. The Windows Defender Firewall also offers various advanced options, such as specifying what sort of applications can access the Internet, and configuring other rules based on the type of data, the source and destination of the transmission, and the time of day.
The Windows Defender Firewall can also be used to create a “virtual private network” (VPN), which is like a secure tunnel between two computers. A VPN connection helps protect data that is sent between computers by encrypting the traffic and preventing outsiders from accessing the information.
The Windows Defender Firewall can be configured from the Control Panel, either from the “Windows Firewall” section, or from the “Microsoft Defender Firewall” applet. Here you can enable or disable the firewall, add exceptions for specific types of networks or applications, and configure advanced settings. You can also manage advanced features such as the “Network Inspection System”, which is designed to detect potential threats before they reach your computer.
The Windows Defender Firewall is a powerful tool for protecting your computer from malicious attacks, and should be enabled on all versions of the Windows operating system. It provides an extra layer of security, and combined with other protective measures, such as antivirus software, it can help keep your system safe.