Being safe on the internet is just as important on the internet itself. The Windows Firewall has always been an essential part of the Windows operating system in protecting our computers.
The firewall essentially blocks programs from communicating using certain ports on your network. You can authorize required programs and allow them through the firewall.
Usually, you’re asked to set said permissions when the program launches or attempts to establish a connection for the first time. However, you can also go back and manually change these settings.
Another thing you can do is to simply disable the firewall altogether. Although we don’t recommend it, disabling the firewall temporarily will let you test out any programs that aren’t working the way they’re supposed to. Besides, Windows 10 does a pretty good job of making sure you know your firewall is off and you need to turn it back on.
Also read: What is Windows Firewall? Is it good enough? Everything you need to know
Disabling the firewall in Windows 10
Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings. Alternatively, you can right-click the start button and select Settings
Step 2: When the windows settings open, search for firewall. From the options that pop up, select Windows Defender Firewall
Step 3: A new window will open. On the left, you’ll see an option called Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Click on it.
Step 4: Here you will have the option to turn the firewall on or off individually for public and private networks.
Under the option to enable the firewall, there’s also an option to instantly block all apps regardless of whether or not you’ve previously allowed them through the firewall.
Make the changes you want and hit OK.
For whatever reason you’re disabling the firewall, we recomend turning it back on as soon as you can. For as long as the firewall is disabled, it puts your computer at significant risk from any malicious applications that may be running in the background.
