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.

You can turn on or off Microsoft Defender Firewall using Windows Security by opening the app, clicking Firewall & network protection, selecting your network type, and changing the switch. This method is the fastest way to manage your Windows 11 Defender Firewall without digging through older system settings menus.

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.

You can turn on or off Microsoft Defender Firewall using Control Panel 🎛️ by opening the classic utility, clicking Windows Defender Firewall, and choosing the turn on or off link on the left side. This approach lets you manage your Windows 11 Defender Firewall across domain, private, and public networks all in one place.

Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Firewall Using Command Prompt

You can turn on or off Microsoft Defender Firewall using Command Prompt by launching the terminal with administrator rights and running specific networking commands. This method helps you configure your Windows 11 Defender Firewall quickly if you prefer typing commands instead of clicking through graphical menus.

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

You can turn on or off Microsoft Defender Firewall using PowerShell by opening the command-line tool with administrator privileges and executing dedicated networking cmdlets. This option gives you direct control over your Windows 11 Defender Firewall settings and works well for automating security tasks on your computer.

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.

Microsoft Defender Firewall protects your PC from unauthorized access by blocking harmful network traffic, and you can easily control these settings using Windows Security, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Managing your Windows 11 Defender Firewall correctly ensures your computer stays secure on both home networks and public Wi-Fi hotspots.