The Windows Firewall general settings allow you to configure these options:
On (recommended). This is the default setting (with Don't allow exceptions not selected).
Don't allow exceptions. When this check box is selected, the firewall is placed into On With No Exceptions mode which blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your computer. This includes requests to programs or services that you select on the Exceptions tab. Use the Don't allow exceptions setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a vulnerability is discovered and either you have not had time to download a hotfix for your computer or a hotfix is unavailable.
After you have installed the latest operating system service packs and software updates, you can restore normal Internet functionality by returning the operational mode to On with Don't allow exceptions cleared.
Off (not recommended). Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer more vulnerable to damage from viruses, worms, or intruders.
To modify the recommended Windows Firewall default general settings, perform these tasks:
Note: The steps to disable Windows Firewall are listed here but should only be performed by advanced users for computer administration purposes, or if your computer is protected by another hardware or software firewall.
In Control Panel, click Security Center.
Open Windows Firewall
To open Windows Firewall
1. In Windows Security Center, under Manage security settings for, click Windows Firewall.
Configure Windows Firewall On With No Exceptions
To configure Windows Firewall On with no exceptions mode
1. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, select the Don't allow exceptions check box.
click ok
On (recommended). This is the default setting (with Don't allow exceptions not selected).
Don't allow exceptions. When this check box is selected, the firewall is placed into On With No Exceptions mode which blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your computer. This includes requests to programs or services that you select on the Exceptions tab. Use the Don't allow exceptions setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a vulnerability is discovered and either you have not had time to download a hotfix for your computer or a hotfix is unavailable.
After you have installed the latest operating system service packs and software updates, you can restore normal Internet functionality by returning the operational mode to On with Don't allow exceptions cleared.
Off (not recommended). Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer more vulnerable to damage from viruses, worms, or intruders.
To modify the recommended Windows Firewall default general settings, perform these tasks:
- Open Windows Security Center
- Open Windows Firewall
- Configure Windows Firewall On with No Exceptions mode
- Disable Windows Firewall
- Verify Windows Firewall General settings are applied
Note: The steps to disable Windows Firewall are listed here but should only be performed by advanced users for computer administration purposes, or if your computer is protected by another hardware or software firewall.
- Requirements to perform this task
- Credentials: You must be logged on as a member of the local Administrators group.
- Open Windows Security Center
- To open Windows Security Center
In Control Panel, click Security Center.
Open Windows FirewallTo open Windows Firewall
1. In Windows Security Center, under Manage security settings for, click Windows Firewall.
Configure Windows Firewall On With No Exceptions
To configure Windows Firewall On with no exceptions mode
1. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, select the Don't allow exceptions check box.
click ok