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

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.

Managing the Windows 11 Defender Firewall through Windows Security begins by launching the app. Navigate to Firewall & network protection, select the active network type, and adjust the toggle switch.

Managing the Windows 11 Defender Firewall through Windows Security begins by launching the app. Navigate to Firewall & network protection, select the active network type, and adjust the toggle switch.

Managing the Windows 11 Defender Firewall through Windows Security begins by launching the app. Navigate to Firewall & network protection, select the active network type, and adjust the toggle switch.

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel 🎛️. (Press Win+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.

Open the Control Panel 🎛️ by pressing Win+R, typing control, and hitting Enter to manage the Windows 11 Defender Firewall. Click Windows Defender Firewall next, then select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left-hand menu. Active profiles display an indicator right beside their name. Toggle the switch to enable or disable Microsoft Defender Firewall across various network types.

Open the Control Panel by pressing Windows + R, typing control, and hitting Enter to manage the Windows 11 Defender Firewall. Click Windows Defender Firewall next, then select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left-hand menu. Active profiles display an indicator right beside their name. Toggle the switch to enable or disable Microsoft Defender Firewall across various network types.

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt offers granular control over the Windows 11 Defender Firewall for advanced workflows. Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin). Specific commands then execute to enable or disable the firewall for targeted networks.

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:

Enable Firewall for All Networks (Domain, Private, Public)

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on

Disable Firewall for All Networks

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

Enable Firewall for Current (Active) Network

netsh advfirewall set currentprofile state on

Disable Firewall for Current (Active) Network

netsh advfirewall set currentprofile state off

Enable 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

Disable 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

Close Windows Terminal after executing the commands.

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides advanced control and automation capabilities for the Windows 11 Defender Firewall. Open Windows Terminal (Admin) and select Windows PowerShell. Specific commands then execute to enable or disable the firewall across all network profiles.

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

Enable Firewall for All Network Profiles

Set-NetFirewallProfile -All -Enabled True

Disable Firewall for All Network Profiles

Set-NetFirewallProfile -All -Enabled False

Enable 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

Disable 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

Close Windows Terminal upon completion.

Summary

• Why use the Firewall? It stops 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.

The Windows 11 Defender Firewall remains essential for protecting PCs from hackers and malicious software. Management occurs via Windows Security, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Configurations apply to distinct network types, though administrative access remains required for alterations.