Many users are interested in either enabling or disabling their Windows Firewall for various reasons. Some users want to utilize a different firewall, and some may have turned theirs off by accident. To proceed, select your version of Windows from the list below and follow the instructions.

Enabling Windows 8 or 10 firewall: Caution: Only one software firewall should be enabled at a time. If you have an antivirus or other security program installed with its own firewall, MAKE sure it is disabled first.

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click on System and Security
3. Click on Windows Firewall.
4. If the Windows Firewall is disabled, the Windows Firewall state will be Off. To TURN it on, in the left NAVIGATION pane, click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
5. In the CUSTOMIZE SETTINGS window, select Turn on Windows Firewall and click OK.

Disabling the Windows 8 or 10 firewall: Caution: Unless you are troubleshooting an issue or plan on installing another firewall, it is recommended that you do not disable your Windows Firewall.

Tip: If you are disabling the firewall because a program can't access your computer or the Internet, try to allow the program through the firewall first.

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click on Windows Firewall.
3. If the Windows Firewall is enabled, the Windows Firewall state will be On. To turn it off, in the left navigation pane, click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
4. In the Customize Settings window, select Turn off Windows Firewall and click OK.

Many users are interested in either enabling or disabling their Windows Firewall for various reasons. Some users want to utilize a different firewall, and some may have turned theirs off by accident. To proceed, select your version of Windows from the list below and follow the instructions.

Enabling Windows 8 or 10 firewall: Caution: Only one software firewall should be enabled at a time. If you have an antivirus or other security program installed with its own firewall, make sure it is disabled first.

Disabling the Windows 8 or 10 firewall: Caution: Unless you are troubleshooting an issue or plan on installing another firewall, it is recommended that you do not disable your Windows Firewall.

Tip: If you are disabling the firewall because a program can't access your computer or the Internet, try to allow the program through the firewall first.