Windows Defender Firewall is an important tool that helps protect your computer from malicious software and other threats. It blocks unauthorized access to your computer, and can also prevent malicious incoming traffic. You can configure Windows Defender Firewall using the Windows Security app or the Control Panel.
Configuring Windows Defender Firewall using the Windows Security app
1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Click on the “Firewall & network protection” link in the left-hand menu.
3. Select the appropriate network profile (Private, Public, or Domain).
4. Under “Windows Defender Firewall”, you will be able to see the current firewall status for each network profile. To change it, click the “Allow an app through firewall” link.
5. If you want to allow an app through the firewall, select either “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” or “Allow another app”. If you choose the latter, browse to the app’s location, then select it and click “Add”.
6. If you want to block an app from the firewall, select “Block an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”. Select the app you want to block, then click “Next”.
7. You can also create custom rules for specific apps by clicking “Advanced settings” in the Firewall & network protection menu.
8. Once you’ve made your desired configuration changes, click “OK” to save them.
Configuring Windows Defender Firewall using the Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet> Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
4. Choose the appropriate network profile (Private, Public, or Domain).
5. Select the appropriate options for each type of network connection and click “OK”.
6. To allow an app to access the Internet, click “Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall”. Select the app, then select “Home/Work (Private)” or “Public” if desired, then click “OK”.
7. To block an app from accessing the Internet, click “Block an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall”. Select the app, then select “Home/Work (Private)” or “Public” if desired, then click “OK”.
8. To customize the firewall rules, click “Advanced Settings”. Here you can create inbound and outbound rules for specific apps or programs.
9. Once you’ve made your desired configuration changes, click “Apply”.
By following these steps, you can easily configure Windows Defender Firewall to suit your needs. It’s important to remember to always keep your firewall turned on and configured properly to ensure your computer is as secure as possible.