How to Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or Off in Windows 10 & 11

By Timothy Tibbetts

on 08/27/2022

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Microsoft Defender Firewall is an extra layer of protection built into Windows 10 & 11 designed to protect you from malicious software, hackers, and other threats. While you might be using a hardware (router) firewall or have a third-party firewall installed, you should leave Microsoft Defender Firewall on. However, if you need to disable it temporarily, here's how.

There are three options for Windows Firewall. As we advance, you may need to know which Firewall you need to disable.

Private network: Used in most home networks and the setting to change for most users.

Public network: Used for public networks, including Wi-Fi hotspots, coffee shops, airports, hotels, or stores.

Domain network: Used for networks where there is a system of account authentication against a domain controller.

The easiest method for most home users is Windows Security.

How to Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or Off in Windows 10 & 11 - Windows Security

Open Windows Security.

Click on Firewall & network protection.

Click on Domain network, Private network, or Public network. The (active) network next to it is your current network location.

Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, click on or off.

Open the Control Panel

How to Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or Off in Windows 10 & 11 - Control Panel (icons view).

Click on Windows Defender Firewall.

Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left.

Click on Turn off or Turn on for your Firewall. Unlike Settings, the Control Panel will only show your available Firewalls.