How to enable or disable the Microsoft Windows Firewall Security

Turn Windows Firewall on or off

1. Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button 
   
   , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type firewall, and then click Windows Firewall.
2. In the left pane, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. 
   
    If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Click Turn on Windows Firewall under each network location that you want to help protect, and then click OK.
4. If you want the firewall to prevent all programs from communicating, including programs that you have previously allowed to communicate through the firewall, select the Block all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed programs check box.

If you need to turn off Windows Firewall

Warning

• You should not turn off Windows Firewall unless you have another firewall enabled. Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer (and your network, if you have one) more vulnerable to damage from worms or hackers.

1. Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button 
   
   , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type firewall, and then click Windows Firewall.
2. Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. 
   
    If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Click Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) under each network location that you want to stop trying to protect, and then click OK.