How to Hide the Firewall & Network Protection Section in Windows 11 Security app
This guide shows you how to hide or show the Windows Security app Firewall & Network Protection area in Windows 11.
Before You Begin
Warning: Modifying system settings can be risky. Before you start, please create a System Restore point. This allows you to revert changes if something goes wrong. This guide is intended for advanced users or administrators managing shared computers.
Why Hide the Firewall Section?
You might want to hide the Firewall & Network Protection area to prevent other users from changing your security settings. This is common in office environments or family computers where you want to ensure the Microsoft Defender Firewall remains active and untouched.
What Happens When You Are Done?
Once you apply these changes, the specific tab will vanish from the Windows Security app. Note that this only hides the user interface. It does not disable the firewall itself. Your computer remains protected by the existing security policy.
Method 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor
Note: This method requires administrator privileges. It is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Security\Firewall and network protection
3. Double-click Hide the Firewall and network protection area.
4. Select Enabled to hide the section, or Not Configured to show it.
Method 2: Using the Windows Registry
Note: This method requires administrator privileges. Be careful, as incorrect changes can damage your system.
1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center\Firewall and network protection
3. If the key is missing, right-click the parent folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it UILockdown.
4. Set the value to 1 to hide the section or 0 to show it.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Summary
Hiding the Firewall & Network Protection section is an effective way to lock down security configurations. Whether you use the Group Policy Editor or the Registry, you can easily manage the visibility of these settings. Always remember to use caution when editing the registry to keep your system stable.” } ]
Does hiding the firewall section disable the firewall itself?
No. Hiding the section only removes the visual menu from the Windows Security app. Your Windows Defender Firewall continues to run in the background, maintaining your active security rules and protecting your computer from unauthorized network access. It is a UI restriction, not a functional change to your security status.
Why can’t I find the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Home?
The Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) is a feature exclusive to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It is not included in the Home edition. If you are using Windows 11 Home, you must use the Registry Editor method to manage these specific security policies instead.
Is it safe to hide security settings from other users?
It is generally safe if you are the administrator and want to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes to your network security. However, ensure you have a backup or restore point before making changes. Always remember that hiding settings does not replace the need for strong account passwords and user permissions.
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