How to Restore Windows Firewall Settings to Default

Why Reset Your Firewall?

Your Windows Firewall protects your computer by checking what information can come in and go out. Resetting your firewall to its default settings can fix problems where some apps or online services aren’t working right because the firewall is blocking them incorrectly.

Occasional glitches can occur with Microsoft Defender Firewall settings in Windows 11. You might have inadvertently adjusted a firewall setting, or a program could have altered configurations without your explicit consent. When these issues happen, you might encounter problems like blocked network connections or unexpected behavior in applications.

• Some apps can’t connect to the internet.
• You can’t see network printers or shared folders.
• Your internet connection is slow or unreliable.
• You get strange security warnings.

Restoring Microsoft Defender Firewall to its default settings fixes firewall problems. This process clears all custom firewall rules and returns them to the original state Windows uses, typically resolving most setup issues.

Before You Start: A Little Preparation

Before you restore Windows firewall to its default settings, ensure you have administrator access on your computer. Also, if you have set up any special rules to let certain applications connect online, write those application rules down. These application rules will be removed when you reset the firewall.

• Administrator Access: You need administrator rights to do this. If you use a work computer, ask your IT department if this is allowed.
• Custom Rules: If you made special rules to allow or block certain programs or connections, these will be deleted. Write down any important rules you might need to add again later. You can usually find these in the firewall's "Advanced Settings."
• Work/School Networks: If your computer is on a work or school network, your organization might have specific firewall rules. Resetting your computer's settings might cause those organization rules to be used again automatically.

Option 1Resetting Through Windows Security (The Easy Way)

For most Windows users, this is the most common and accessible method.

Step 1Open Windows Security

You can quickly reset Microsoft Defender Firewall settings by typing 'Windows Security' into your taskbar search bar. Clicking on the 'Windows Security' result opens the application, allowing you to access the firewall options for resetting.

Step 2Go to Firewall & network protection

Firewall & network protection settings within Windows Security control all your firewall configurations. You can access this section to manage how Windows Defender Firewall protects your computer from unwanted network traffic.

Step 3Find the Restore Defaults Link

Scroll down on the 'Firewall & network protection' screen until you find a link labeled 'Restore firewalls to default.' Click this link. It might be subtly placed, so examine the screen carefully.

Step 4Start the Reset Process

A new window appears, detailing the effects of a firewall reset. This window states that the firewall will be restored to its original settings. Click the 'Restore defaults' button within this window.

Step 5Confirm Your Choice

Resetting Windows firewall to its default state presents a confirmation message asking if you are sure you want to reset all network settings. Clicking 'Yes' confirms this action. Your computer might briefly lose its internet connection; this normal behavior means the connection will automatically restore.

Option 2Resetting via Control Panel (The Old Way)

Users familiar with the older Control Panel will find this method intuitive.

Step 1Open Control Panel

To begin restoring your Windows firewall, first open the Control Panel. Click the Start button or the search bar on your taskbar, type 'Control Panel,' and then select it from the results. If you see options sorted by category, change the view to 'Large icons' or 'Small icons' using the dropdown in the top right.

Step 2Find Windows Defender Firewall

Within Control Panel, when viewed as icons, locate and click on 'Windows Defender Firewall.'

Step 3Access the Restore Defaults Option

On the left-hand side of the 'Windows Defender Firewall' window, find and click the 'Restore defaults' link.

Step 4Confirm the Reset

A new window will appear, similar to the one presented in the Windows Security method. It will provide information about resetting the firewall. Click the 'Restore defaults' button.

Step 5Final Confirmation

You will be prompted to confirm your action. Click "Yes" to reset your firewall settings back to their original state.

Option 3Resetting with Advanced Security (For Advanced Users)

This method is more technical and offers greater insight into firewall details. It's best suited for users comfortable with advanced system settings.

Step 1Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security

Press `Windows Key + R` to open the Run dialog. Then, type `wf.msc` and press Enter or click OK.

Step 2Find the Restore Default Policy Option

Once you're in 'Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security,' look for the option to restore your firewall settings. In the left side panel, click on 'Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer.' Then, in the right-hand 'Actions' panel, click 'Restore Default Policy.'

• In the left pane, click "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer." Then, in the right "Actions" pane, click "Restore Default Policy."
• Or, with "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer" selected on the left, click "Action" in the top menu bar, then choose "Restore Default Policy."
• You can also right-click "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer" in the left pane and select "Restore Default Policy" from the menu that appears.

Step 3Confirm the Reset

A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "Yes" to approve the restoration of the firewall's default settings.

Step 4Acknowledge Completion

After you restore Windows firewall to its default settings, a message might appear saying the firewall reset is done, or the firewall window might just close. If you see an 'OK' button, click the 'OK' button. Write down any important custom firewall rules you had before resetting the firewall, as you'll need to add these custom firewall rules back later if needed.

The advanced firewall tool allows for precise management of firewall rules. If you need to re-implement custom rules after a reset, you will do it in the advanced firewall tool. Documenting any critical rules before proceeding with the reset is advisable.

Option 4Resetting via Command Prompt (For Command-Line Users)

Resetting Microsoft Defender Firewall settings using text commands offers a fast and efficient approach for advanced users. This command-line method directly modifies the firewall configuration, bypassing graphical interfaces for quicker adjustments when you prefer working with text.

Step 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Click the Start button or search bar, type 'Command Prompt,' right-click on 'Command Prompt' in the results, and select 'Run as administrator.' Grant permission when prompted by clicking "Yes."

Step 2Enter the Reset Command

The Command Prompt window lets you reset Microsoft Defender Firewall settings to default in Windows 11. You will type or paste the command `netsh advfirewall reset` and press Enter. This action restores all firewall rules and settings to their original state, which can help fix network connection problems caused by incorrect firewall configurations.

netsh advfirewall reset

Step 3Wait for Confirmation

The command will execute. You should see a notification indicating the successful reset of the firewall, often as simple as "Ok."

Step 4Close Command Prompt

You can now close the Command Prompt window. Your firewall settings have been reset.

Tip: Commands can appear intimidating, but they are powerful tools. Always verify that the command is typed precisely as shown to prevent errors.

Option 5Resetting via PowerShell (Another Command-Line Option)

PowerShell represents a more modern and robust command-line interface within Windows. This method achieves the same outcome as using Command Prompt but employs different commands.

Step 1Open PowerShell as Administrator

Click the Start button or search bar, type 'PowerShell,' right-click on 'Windows PowerShell' in the results, and choose 'Run as administrator.' Click "Yes" if prompted to allow changes.

Step 2Enter the PowerShell Reset Command

In the PowerShell window, type or paste the following command and press Enter:

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

Step 3Observe the Result

This command executes with minimal visual feedback. If no errors are reported, the reset has been successful. Typically, you won't receive an explicit "Success" message; the command will simply complete its operation.

Step 4Close PowerShell

You can now close the PowerShell window.

Note: PowerShell commands are case-sensitive, so ensure the command is entered exactly as written above.

Summary

Restoring your Microsoft Defender Firewall to its default settings is a good way to fix problems with apps or network connections. You can do this using the Control Panel or more advanced tools. This process helps ensure your firewall is correctly set up to protect your computer.