Allow Apps Through Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows 11

This article explains how an app can be allowed through Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows 11.

Windows Firewall is a security program that comes pre-installed with the Windows operating system. It monitors and manages incoming and outgoing traffic on your computer, blocking unauthorized access to your system. Unfortunately, when you use Windows Firewall, trusted apps and services are sometimes blocked from accessing the internet.

Instead of completely disabling or turning off Microsoft Defender Firewall to resolve issues where a particular app isn’t connecting to the internet, you can enable the app to pass through Microsoft Defender Firewall instead.

Microsoft Defender Firewall helps protect your device and data against unauthorized access, malware, and other attacks that may steal your identity or lock your computer for ransom.

Microsoft Defender Firewall is essential, and it is not recommended that you disable it simply because an app cannot access the internet. Instead, it would be best if you allowed the app to pass through the Firewall; the steps below will show you how to do that in Windows 11.

How to allow the app to pass through Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. As a result, everything can be done from the System Settings pane, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows.

To get to the System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar to search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. For example, click Privacy & security in Windows Settings and select the Windows Security tile on the right to expand it.

On the Windows Security setting pane, click the “Open Windows Security” button as highlighted below,

This will bring you to the Windows Security home settings pane. From the left menu, go to Firewall & network protection and click Allow an app through the Firewall.

From the allowed apps settings window, click the Change settings button, as highlighted below.

Then click Allow another app button and click Browse to browse and locate the app you want to add.

Select the app you want to allow through the Firewall and click Open.

Then click the Add button to allow the app to bypass the Windows Defender Firewall.

By all means, Microsoft Defender Firewall should be enabled to receive updates on your Windows computer. The only reason you may want to turn it off is when you have other security products installed and Microsoft Defender is interfering with them.

If Microsoft Defender Firewall is not impacting your PC performance or interfering with other security suites installed, you should keep both installed and enabled.

Conclusion:

• Microsoft Defender Firewall is a crucial security feature in Windows 11 that protects your device from unauthorized access and malware.
• Instead of disabling the firewall, allowing specific apps to bypass it is a more secure solution.
• Allowing an app through the firewall involves accessing the System Settings and configuring the firewall settings.
• Keeping the firewall enabled is recommended unless alternative security products that may conflict with it are installed.
• Regular updates and checks ensure that your firewall protects your system effectively.