Windows has a built-in firewall that manages all your network connections and protects your system from unauthorized incoming and outgoing connections. However, if Windows Firewall is interfering with the network connection and applications, you can disable it. In this tutorial, we’ll show you five easy methods to disable Windows Firewall. Let’s get started.
Note: The steps below are tested to work on Windows 8, 10, and 11.
Caution: Before proceeding, it is important to understand the risks. Disabling the firewall can expose your computer to unauthorized access and threats. So, it is only recommended when it’s an absolute necessity, such as for troubleshooting.
Method #1: From the Settings App
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I shortcut. In Settings, navigate to Privacy & Security > Windows Security and click the Open Windows Security button.
In the Windows Security app, select Firewall & Network Protection on the left sidebar. You will see three firewall profiles, Domain, Private, and Public, on the right panel with your active profile being marked (Active). Click on the active profile.
Next, turn the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle to the OFF position. Go back, and do the same for both other profiles. In my case, they are Domain and Private profiles.
Once you do that for all three profiles, the firewall is turned off on Windows.
Method #2: From Group Policy
Start by opening the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R. Enter gpedit.msc in the dialog box and click OK to open Group Policy.
Once the Group Policy window opens, navigate to the Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections > Windows Defender Firewall > Domain Profile folder.
Locate and double-click on the Windows Defender Firewall: Protect all network connections policy.
Select the Disabled radio option and click OK.
Next, navigate to the Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections > Windows Defender Firewall > Standard Profile folder.
Locate and double-click on the Windows Defender Firewall: Protect all network connections policy.
Select the Disabled radio option and click OK.
Close the Group Policy window and restart your computer. After restarting, Windows Firewall is fully disabled.
Method #3: Using the Windows Firewall App
Windows 11, 10, and 8 users can disable the firewall from the firewall application itself. To start off, press Windows key + R to open the run dialog box. Next, enter firewall.cpl in it and click OK.
Once the firewall application opens, click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off option on the left sidebar.
Expand the Private Network Settings and Public Network Settings sections and select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option under both of them.
Finally, close the firewall settings window and you are done. The firewall is turned off.
Method #4: Using Command Prompt
If you are looking for a much simpler method, you can do it using Command Prompt. First, open Command Prompt as an admin. To do that, open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, enter the NetSh Advfirewall set allprofiles state off command and press Enter. After that, close the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer.
Once the system has been restarted, the Windows Firewall is disabled.
Method #5: PowerShell Command
If you prefer using PowerShell, follow the below steps:
Right-click on the Windows logo on the taskbar and choose Terminal (Admin). Windows 10 users can select Windows PowerShell (Admin). In the Terminal window, enter Set-NetFirewallProfile -Enabled False and press Enter on your keyboard. This command disables the firewall.
You can close the terminal window after executing the command.
Note: The terminal by default opens with the PowerShell tab active. If not, click the down arrow icon on the title bar and select Windows PowerShell.
And there you have it! These are the five methods you can use to turn off Windows Firewall. Whatever method you choose, the end result is the same. So, feel free to use the one you are comfortable with. If you like this article, check out how to backup Windows firewall settings.
