How to Reset Default Firewall Settings in Windows 11

Why Reset Your Firewall?

You might need to reset your Windows Firewall settings if you’ve accidentally changed something or if a program messed with them, helping to get your computer’s security back to how it was when you first got it.

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

The easiest way to reset your Windows Firewall to its default settings is by using the Windows Security app; it’s a simple process that most people can follow without any trouble.

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

If you want more control over your firewall, you can use the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security tool to reset it, which gives you more detailed options than the basic settings.

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

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 4Using 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

You’ve learned a couple of ways to reset your Windows Firewall, including a simple method using the Windows Security app and a more advanced option for those who like more control.

• 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.