How to Backup and Restore Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows 11

Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional

Aug 8, 2025 Updated Apr 3, 2026 2 min read

Your Windows Firewall is like a security guard for your computer. It watches all the data coming in and out of your device. It blocks anything that looks suspicious or unauthorized.

Windows 11 makes it easy to back up your firewall settings. Why would you want to do this? If you get a new computer, you can restore your exact same firewall setup. Or if something goes wrong, you can restore your settings to how they were before.

This article shows you two simple ways to backup and restore your Microsoft Defender Firewall settings.

Method 1: Using Windows Security App

This is the easiest way for most people. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar.
2. Select Settings from the menu.

3. Click Privacy & security on the left side.
4. Find the Windows Security tile and click it.

5. Click the Open Windows Security button.

6. In the Windows Security app, select Firewall & network protection. You can also use this shortcut: Firewall & network protection.

7. Scroll down and click the Advanced settings link at the bottom.

To Back Up Your Settings:

1. In the window that opens, click Export Policy.
2. Choose where you want to save your backup file.
3. Give the file a name (it will be a .wfw file).
4. Click Save.

To Restore Your Settings:

1. Go back to the Advanced settings window.
2. Click Import Policy.
3. Find your backup file and open it.
4. Your firewall settings will be restored.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

⚠️ Admin Required: This method requires administrator privileges.

1. Open the Windows Terminal app as administrator.
2. Choose either the Command Prompt or PowerShell tab.

To Back Up Your Settings:

Using Command Prompt:

netsh advfirewall export "%userprofile%\Desktop\FirewallBackup.wfw"

Using PowerShell:

netsh advfirewall export "$Env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\FirewallBackup.wfw"

This creates a backup file called “FirewallBackup.wfw” on your Desktop. What happens? Your firewall settings are saved as a single file you can use anytime.

To Restore Your Settings:

Run this command in either Command Prompt or PowerShell:

netsh advfirewall import "C:\Users\User\Desktop\FirewallBackup.wfw"

⚠️ Note: Replace “C:\Users\User\Desktop\FirewallBackup.wfw” with the actual location of your backup file.

That’s all you need to do!

Summary

Backing up and restoring your Microsoft Defender Firewall settings in Windows 11 is simple and important. You have two options:

• Windows Security App: Use the Export and Import Policy buttons. This is easier for most people.
• Command Prompt or PowerShell: Use special commands to back up and restore your settings. This method requires administrator privileges.

Why do this? Regularly backing up your firewall settings lets you quickly restore them if something goes wrong. It also helps when you set up a new computer.

What happens when you do this? Your firewall configuration stays the same, and your network security stays protected. Always keep your backup files in a safe place where only you can access them.