How to Reset Default Firewall Settings in Windows 11

Why Reset Your Firewall?

Resetting Windows Firewall settings puts your computer’s protection back to its original factory state. You should reset your firewall if you accidentally blocked a safe app, changed security rules by mistake, or notice that your internet connection is acting strange due to blocked traffic. This fixes broken rules and gets your security working right again.

On Windows 11, you can use the Windows Security app to view and manage your firewall. You can turn it on or off anytime.

Method 1Using the Windows Security App

Resetting Windows Firewall settings through the Windows Security app is the fastest way to restore your default security rules without using advanced tools. You use this built-in menu to clear out any custom changes you made and put all network protection settings back to how they were when you first set up your PC.

1. Click on Start and select Settings from the Start menu ⊞.

2. In the Settings app, click Privacy & security and then click the Windows Security tile.

3. Click the Open Windows Security button.

4. In the Windows Security app, select Firewall & network protection or use this shortcut: Firewall & network protection

5. Click on the Restore firewalls to default link at the bottom.

6. In the pop-up window, click Restore defaults to restore the firewall settings.

7. Click Yes when asked if you want to reset the firewall to default.

Method 2Using Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security

Resetting Windows Firewall settings using Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security gives you deeper control over your network rules. You use this management console when you want to restore default policies while viewing detailed inbound and outbound traffic rules for your programs and connections.

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (type wf.msc in the search box).
2. On the left side, select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer.
3. On the right side under Actions, click Restore Default Policy to restore the firewall to its defaults.

Method 3Using Command Prompt

Run a quick command in Command Prompt to reset the firewall.

1. ⚠️ Admin Required: Open Command Prompt as administrator and select the Command Prompt tab.
2. Type and run this command:

netsh advfirewall reset

This command resets the firewall to its default settings.

Method 4Using PowerShell

Run the reset command using PowerShell instead.

1. ⚠️ Admin Required: Open PowerShell as administrator and select the PowerShell tab.
2. Type and run this command:

(New-Object -ComObject HNetCfg.FwPolicy2).RestoreLocalFirewallDefaults()

That's it! Your firewall is now reset to default.

Summary

Resetting Windows Firewall settings can be done quickly using either the simple Windows Security app or the advanced management tool. Both options restore your original security rules and fix blocked apps, so you just pick the method that matches your comfort level with Windows settings.

• Windows Security App: The easiest method. Just click a few buttons.
• Advanced Security: Offers more detailed options for advanced users.
• Command Prompt: A quick method using a simple command (requires admin rights).
• PowerShell: Another command-line option (requires admin rights).

Why This Matters: Resetting your firewall helps protect your computer from unauthorized access and threats. If unwanted changes were made to your firewall, these methods let you quickly fix the problem and get your security back on track.

Choose whichever method you feel most comfortable with. All four methods work well and will get your firewall back to normal.