Windows 10 and 11 - Using the Built-in Firewall
This document describes how to view the settings for Windows' built-in firewall as well as how to enable and disable the firewall. In Windows 7, 8 and 10, you can customize your firewall settings for the three main network types: Public networks, Private networks, and Domain networks.
Windows 11 - Enable and Disable Firewalls
- Click the Start button.
- Open Settings.
- Click Privacy & security on the left-hand side.
- Click Firewall & network protection.
- You will see the status of your Domain, Private, and Public network firewalls.
- Each firewall will specify if it is on or off.
- Click a network (Domain, Private, or Public).
- Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, use the switch to set the firewall to On or Off.
Windows 10
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Navigate to the Windows Firewall:
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Windows 8 & 10: Go to the Start Screen and type Control Panel. Click on the Control Panel icon when it appears on the screen.
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In the Control Panel search bar in the upper right-hand corner, type firewall. Select Windows Firewall from the results.
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You should now see the firewall settings for your current network type. In addition, you may also expand the other two network types to view their settings. For more information on the differences between the three different network types, see How to change the network connection priority in Windows 7.
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Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left-hand navigation panel.