How to Disable the Firewall in Windows 10 [A Comprehensive Guide]

The Microsoft Defender Firewall is a security feature in Windows 10 that monitors all network traffic, both inbound and outbound, and either permits or blocks it based on a set of rules aimed at protecting your system from hackers. While it's generally recommended to keep the firewall enabled, there may be instances when disabling it is necessary, such as when testing an app's connectivity or if you intend to use an alternative firewall solution.

However, if you're unsure about how to Turn Off Firewall in Windows 10 and seeking guidance, you've landed in the right place. In this article, we will explore the best methods to disable the Windows 10 firewall. Let's get started!

Method 1: Disable the Firewall in Windows 10 using Control Panel

The first and most direct method to disable the firewall in Windows 10 is through the Control Panel. The Control Panel in Microsoft Windows is the hub where you can modify the operating system's settings. It is a collection of software utilities that allows you to install and uninstall programs, manage user accounts, alter accessibility options, and adjust your network configuration.

To disable the firewalls on your Windows 10 computer via Control Panel, follow these steps: 1. Press the "Windows" key + "X" on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu. 2. Click on "Control Panel" from the options that appear. 3. In the Control Panel window, ensure that the view is set to "Small icons" or "Large icons" by clicking on the drop-down menu at the top-right corner and selecting one of these options. 4. Locate and click on "Windows Defender Firewall." 5. On the left-hand side of the Windows Defender Firewall window, click on "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off." 6. You will see two sections: "Private network settings" and "Public network settings." For each section, click the radio button next to "Off (not recommended)" to disable the firewall for both private and public networks. 7. After making the changes, click "OK" to save them. Remember that disabling the firewall may expose your system to potential security risks. It's recommended to keep it enabled unless you have a specific reason to disable it temporarily.

Step 1. In the Search menu, search for Control Panel and click on it to launch it.

Step 2. Next, click on the "System and Security" option, and proceed to the Windows Defender Firewall section.

Click on "System and Security".

Step 3. Next, you'll need to click the "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" option to continue.

Step 4. To disable the firewall for the private network, navigate to the Private network settings section, and select the checkbox for Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall. Additionally, to deactivate the firewall for the public network, check the Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall checkbox found within the Public network settings section of the Customize Settings window.

Note: It is not necessary to disable both firewalls; you can choose based on your needs.

Step 5. After selecting the checkboxes, click "OK" to disable the firewall and apply the settings.

Method 2: Disable the Firewall in Windows 10 using Windows Security

Another approach to disabling the firewall on your Windows 10 PC is through Windows Security. Windows 10 comes equipped with Windows Security, an antivirus solution that provides up-to-date antivirus protection. Upon starting your Windows 10 device, it actively safeguards against potential threats due to the presence of Windows Security. It is designed to perform routine scans to detect malware, viruses, and other possible security risks. In addition to this real-time protection, Windows Security automatically downloads updates to help maintain the security of your device and fend off any dangers. This ensures that your system remains secure and protected against evolving threats.

To disable Windows Firewall through Windows Security, follow these steps:

Step 1. On your Windows 10, access the Search menu and type Windows Security. Click on it to launch the application.

Step 2. Choose Firewall & network protection from either the sidebar or the main menu.

Click on "Firewall and Network Protection."

Step 3. Here, you will see three distinct types of Windows firewalls: Domain network, Public network, and Private network.

Step 4. Next, click on the firewall you want to disable. Then, toggle the switch to OFF under the Microsoft Defender Firewall option. This can be done for any of the three profiles.

Note: If you want to completely disable the firewall on your Windows 10 PC, you need to turn off each of the three firewalls by following the above instructions.

Method 3: Turn Off the Firewall in Windows 10 Using the Command Prompt

The final, albeit slightly more complicated method for non-technically inclined individuals to disable the Windows 10 firewall is by using the Command Prompt. The Command Prompt is a built-in program in Windows 10 that functions as an interpreter for commands. It allows users to execute commands on their Windows PC. Typically, these commands are used to automate repetitive tasks in Windows via scripts and batch files, perform intricate administrative tasks, or troubleshoot and fix specific Windows issues.

To disable the Windows 10 firewall using Command Prompt, follow these steps: 1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges: - Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard. - Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu that appears. 2. Type the following command to stop the Windows Defender Firewall service and press Enter: ``` net stop "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security" ``` 3. To confirm that the firewall is disabled, type the following command and press Enter: ``` netsh advfirewall show currentprofile state ``` This command will display the current status of the firewall. If it's disabled, you should see "OFF" under "State". 4. (Optional) To disable the firewall permanently, you can modify the firewall settings through the registry. However, be cautious as modifying the registry can be risky. Make sure to create a system restore point before proceeding. Here's how: - Open Registry Editor by typing "regedit" in the search bar and selecting "Registry Editor". - Navigate to the following path: ``` HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\ ``` - Locate the key named "PublicProfile" (or "DomainProfile" and "StandardProfile" depending on your network settings). Right-click on it and choose "Modify". - Change the value data of the "EnableFirewall" entry from "1" to "0". This disables the firewall for the respective profile. 5. After making changes, restart your computer for them to take effect. Remember, disabling the firewall can leave your system vulnerable to potential threats. It's recommended to keep the firewall enabled for optimal security.

Step 1. Access the Search menu, type either CMD or Command Prompt, and then launch the Windows terminal by clicking on it.

Step 2. On your Command Prompt, type netsh advfirewall set domainprofile state off and press Enter to turn off the Domain Network Firewall. To disable the Public or Private Network Firewall, replace domainprofile with either publicprofile or privateprofile in the command.

Step 3. You can disable all firewalls on Windows 10 at once by typing netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off and pressing Enter.

Conclusion

Microsoft has incorporated a firewall within Windows 10 to safeguard your system from viruses, third-party malware, and various security threats. While it's generally not advised to disable the firewall on a Windows PC, there may be instances when you need to do so. However, some users might not be aware of the process. To assist them, we have outlined three built-in methods in this article to Turn Off Firewall in Windows 10. Thus, go ahead and disable your firewall today to begin testing your network connections!