How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows 11

If you want to protect your computer from hackers and bad software, using Microsoft Defender Firewall is a great way to do that. This guide will show you simple steps to turn the firewall on or off in Windows 11.

What is Microsoft Defender Firewall?

Microsoft Defender Firewall helps block unwanted access to your PC from the internet or other networks. It works differently depending on the type of network you’re connected to:

• Domain network: Usually at work or school, where your device connects to a special system that controls access.
• Private network: Your home or trusted network.
• Public network: Public Wi-Fi spots like cafes, airports, or hotels, where security needs to be higher.

It’s a good idea to keep the firewall on to stay safe, even if you use other security programs.

Important

You need to be signed into Windows as an administrator to change firewall settings.

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How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Windows Security

1. Click the Start button and open Windows Security. You can type “Windows Security” in the search box.
2. In Windows Security, click on Firewall & network protection.
3. Choose the network type you want to change (Domain, Private, or Public). You’ll see which one is active next to it.
4. Turn the switch On or Off for Microsoft Defender Firewall.
5. If a confirmation box appears (User Account Control), click Yes.
6. Close Windows Security when you’re done.

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How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel. (Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.)
2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
3. On the left side, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
4. Choose to turn the firewall On or Off for Domain, Private, and Public networks.
5. Click OK to save your changes.
6. Close Control Panel if you want.

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How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Command Prompt

Follow these steps to use commands to control the firewall:

1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin):
   • Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
   • When it opens, click the down arrow (˅) and select Command Prompt.
2. Type or paste one of the commands below, then press Enter:

Turn On Firewall for All Networks (Domain, Private, Public)

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on

Turn Off Firewall for All Networks

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

Turn On Firewall for Current (Active) Network

netsh advfirewall set currentprofile state on

Turn Off Firewall for Current (Active) Network

netsh advfirewall set currentprofile state off

Turn On Firewall for Specific Network Type

• Domain: netsh advfirewall set domainprofile state on
• Private: netsh advfirewall set privateprofile state on
• Public: netsh advfirewall set publicprofile state on

Turn Off Firewall for Specific Network Type

• Domain: netsh advfirewall set domainprofile state off
• Private: netsh advfirewall set privateprofile state off
• Public: netsh advfirewall set publicprofile state off

After running the commands, you can close Windows Terminal.

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How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another way to manage the firewall. Here’s how:

1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin) and select Windows PowerShell.
2. Type or paste the commands below, then press Enter:

Turn On Firewall for All Network Profiles

Set-NetFirewallProfile -All -Enabled True

Turn Off Firewall for All Network Profiles

Set-NetFirewallProfile -All -Enabled False

Turn On Firewall for Specific Network Profile

• Domain: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain -Enabled True
• Private: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Private -Enabled True
• Public: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Public -Enabled True

Turn Off Firewall for Specific Network Profile

• Domain: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain -Enabled False
• Private: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Private -Enabled False
• Public: Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Public -Enabled False

When done, simply close Windows Terminal.

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Summary

• Why use the Firewall? It helps stop hackers and harmful software from reaching your PC.
• Easy to Use: You can turn it on or off through Windows Security, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
• Different Networks: Firewall settings can be different for your home, work, or public Wi-Fi.
• Admin Rights Needed: Only users with admin access can change firewall settings.
• Stay Protected: It’s best to keep the firewall turned on for your safety.

If you want more info, visit the official Microsoft guide here: Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall On or Off.