How to Reset Default Firewall Settings in Windows 11

This article explains how to restore Microsoft Defender Firewall to its default settings in Windows 11.

Why Reset Your Firewall?

The Windows Firewall protects your device by filtering network traffic and blocking unauthorized access. If someone or something has changed your firewall settings and caused problems, you can easily restore the original settings. This helps keep your computer safe 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 1: Using the Windows Security App

This is the easiest way to reset your firewall. Here’s how:

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 2: Using Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security

This method gives you more detailed options. Here’s what to do:

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 3: Using Command Prompt

This method uses the command line. Here’s how:

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 4: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another way to reset your firewall. Here’s how:

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

What You Learned: You now know four different ways to reset your Windows Defender Firewall to its default settings in Windows 11.

• 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 restore your security.

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