How to use Microsoft Windows Firewall

A firewall is software or hardware that helps prevent hackers and some types of malware from getting to your PC through a network or the Internet. It does this by checking the info that’s coming from the Internet or a network and then either blocking it or allowing it to pass through to your PC.

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A firewall isn’t the same thing as an antivirus or anti malware app. Firewalls help protect against worms and hackers, antivirus apps help protect against viruses, and antimalware apps help protect against malware. You need all three. You can use Windows Defender, the antivirus and anti malware software that’s included with Windows 8, or you can use another antivirus and anti malware app.

You only need one firewall app on your PC (in addition to the firewall that’s probably built into your network router). Having more than one firewall app on your PC can cause conflicts and problems.Windows Firewall comes with Windows and is turned on by default.

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We recommend that you use these default firewall settings:

• The firewall is on for all network connections.

• The firewall is blocking all inbound connections except those that you specifically allow.

• The firewall is on for all network types (Private, Public, or Domain).

  Note

  • PCs running Windows RT or Windows 8 can’t join a domain. You can only join a domain if your PC is runningWindows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise.

1. In the first step, you can Open Windows Firewall by swiping in from the right edge of the screen,

2. Swipe from the right edge of the screen on touchscreen PC’s, but if you are using mouse or touchpad, then point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen.

3. Now, click on Search icon, enter firewall in the search box.

4.  Now tap or click on Allow an app through Windows Firewall.

5. Tap or click Turn Windows Firewall on or off .  You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

6. Now Click on“Change settings”. Now you can change settings. If a password is required, enter it now.

7. Now if you want to block an app or program on windows 8, Uncheck the box of the program you want to block. When the box is unchecked for  an app or program, the windows firewall will block that app or software program from connecting to the internet.
   • You can block a program internet connection on private network or public network or on both networks using windows firewall.
8. And Checking boxes will allow the program to access the internet. Only allow programs that you trust.
9. Save your settings. After you are done, click apply and OK to save firewall settings.

Turn Windows Firewall on or off in windows7/Vista/XP

1. Now Open the Firewall in Windows 7/Vista/XP using CMD.
2. Go to Start menu and select Run.
3. Enter firewall.cpl In the Run box,  and press enter.
4. Tap on or click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” 
5. Tap on “Change settings” button, If a password is required, enter it now.
6. Uncheck the box of the program you want to block.
7. Only allow programs that you trust.
8. Now press OK to save Firewall settings.

   Note

   • If your PC is connected to a network, network policy settings might prevent you from completing these steps. For more info, contact your administrator.

You can customize four settings for each type of network (Public, Private, or Domain). To find these settings, follow these steps:

Here’s what the settings do and when you should use them:

Turn on Windows Firewall . How to use Microsoft Windows Firewall

This setting is selected by default. When Windows Firewall is on, most apps are blocked from receiving info through the firewall. If you want to allow an app to receive info, use the steps in the next section to add it to the list of allowed apps. For example, you might not be able to receive photos in an instant message until you add the instant messaging app to the list of allowed apps.How to use Microsoft Windows Firewall.

Block all incoming connections using firewall – How to use Microsoft Windows Firewall

including those in the list of allowed apps. This setting blocks all unsolicited attempts to connect to your PC. Use this setting when you need maximum protection for your PC, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport. When you block all incoming connections, you can still view most webpages, send and receive email, and send and receive instant messages.

Notify me when Windows Firewall blocks a new app .

If you select this check box, Windows Firewall will inform you when it blocks a new app and give you the option of unblocking that app.

Turn off Windows Firewall

(not recommended). Avoid using this setting unless you have another firewall app running on your PC.

By default, most apps are blocked by Windows Firewall to help make your PC more secure. To work properly, some apps might require you to allow them to receive info through the firewall.

Before allowing an app to receive info through the firewall, make sure you understand the risks involved. For more info, see What are the risks of allowing apps through a firewall?

If Windows Firewall is blocking an app and you want to allow that app to receive info through the firewall, you can usually do that by selecting the app in the list of allowed apps, as described in the previous section.

However, if the app isn’t listed, you might need to open a port (a way for apps to receive info through the firewall). For example, to play a multiplayer game with friends online, you might need to open a port for the game so that the firewall allows the game info to reach your PC. A port stays open all the time, so be sure to close ports that you don’t need open anymore.