How to Restore Windows Firewall Settings to Default

Why Reset Your Firewall?

Resetting Microsoft Defender Firewall to its factory state fixes network problems caused by blocked apps and broken rules. You need this fix when internet apps stop working after you change security settings or when random glitches block your trusted programs from connecting online.

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

Check that you have an administrator account on your PC before you restore Windows firewall. Write down any custom rules you added for games or apps because the reset deletes all personal configurations and you must recreate them afterward.

• 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. Select the app to open the security dashboard and navigate to the firewall controls.

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

Click Yes on the warning prompt to finish your restore Windows firewall task. Your internet drops for a few seconds while the network adapter applies the default settings and reconnects automatically.

This is a normal part of the process. Consider restarting your computer afterward to ensure all changes are fully integrated.

Option 2Resetting via Control Panel (The Old Way)

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

Step 1Open Control Panel

Open the Control Panel by typing Control Panel into the taskbar search box and selecting the app from the results. Switch the view settings to large icons so you can find the security management tools easily.

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.

If your Windows version refers to it as "Microsoft Defender Firewall," the steps remain the same, only the name differs.

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

Locate the restore Windows firewall option by clicking Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer in the left menu. Select Restore Default Policy from the right action pane to wipe all custom rules.

• 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

Click OK on the completion box after you restore Windows firewall to close the tool. Recreate any custom app rules you wrote down earlier so your games and programs can connect to the internet again.

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

Type netsh advfirewall reset into the Command Prompt window and press Enter to restore Windows firewall via the command line. This instant command wipes all custom configurations and returns your security settings to their original factory state.

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 finish 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.