How to enable or disable the Microsoft Windows firewall.

Question

How to enable or disable the Microsoft Windows firewall.

Answer

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users
Windows XP users

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users

Tip Microsoft Windows Vista and 7 come pre-installed with a firewall utility, although it may be disabled by default. Below are steps that can be followed to enable or disable this feature in Windows. If you're looking for information about disabling a different firewall or antivirus see the steps on disabling the firewall program installed on a computer.

Enabling the Windows Vista and Windows 7 firwall

Warning Only one software firewall should be enabled at a time. If you have an anti-virus or other security program installed with its own firewall make sure it is disabled first.

  1. Click Start and in the Search for Programs and Files box type Firewall and press enter.
  2. In the found programs click Windows Firewall.
  3. If the Windows Firewall is enabled the Windows Firewall state will be on. If it is off, click Change settings or Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left column.
  4. In the Firewall Settings window, select On and click ok.

Disabling the Windows Vista and Windows 7 firewall

Warning Unless you are troubleshooting an issue or plan on installing another Firewall it is recommended that you do not disable your Firewall.

Tip If you're disabling the firewall because you're having trouble getting a program or game to access your computer, try allowing that program to communicate through the firewall first.

  1. Click Start and in the Search for Programs and Files box type Firewall and press enter.
  2. In the found programs click Windows Firewall.
  3. If the Windows Firewall is enabled the Windows Firewall state will be on. To turn it off, click Change settings or Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left column.
  4. In the Firewall Settings window, select Off and click ok.

Windows XP users

Tip Microsoft Windows XP comes pre-installed with a firewall utility, although by default this feature is not enabled. Below are steps that can be followed to enable or disable this feature in Windows. If you're looking for information about disabling a different firewall or antivirus see the steps on disabling the firewall program installed on a computer.

Enabling the Windows XP firewall

Warning Only one software firewall should be enabled at a time. If you have an anti-virus or other security program installed with its own firewall make sure it is disabled first.

  1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.
  2. Within the Network Connections window, right-click the Local Area Connection and select properties.
  3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  4. Finally, check the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

Disabling the Windows XP firewall

Warning Unless you are troubleshooting an issue or plan on installing another Firewall it is recommended that you do not disable your Firewall.

Tip If you're disabling the firewall because you're having trouble getting a program or game to access your computer, try allowing that program to communicate through the firewall first.

  1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.
  2. Within the Network Connections window, right-click the Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  4. Finally, uncheck the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

If you are attempting to disable the Windows XP firewall but this option is already unchecked, it is possible that another developer's firewall program may be installed on the computer.

Additional information