How to Troubleshoot and Reset Windows Firewall Settings

If you’re having issues with the Windows Firewall blocking legitimate connections or programs, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. The first step is to temporarily disable the firewall to see if that fixes the issue. If so, you can then reset the firewall settings back to their defaults. Let’s go through the process step-by-step.

Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall

To temporarily turn off the Windows Firewall:

Open the Control Panel
Click on “System and Security”
Click on “Windows Firewall”
On the left pane, click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”
Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both the private and public network settings
Click “OK” to save the changes

Now try connecting to the server or running the program that was being blocked. If it works, then the firewall was the culprit. If not, re-enable the firewall and move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Reset Windows Firewall to Default Settings

Resetting the Windows Firewall to its default settings can resolve issues by removing any custom rules or settings that may be causing problems. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Control Panel
Click on “System and Security”
Click on “Windows Firewall”
On the left pane, click the “Restore defaults” link
Click the “Restore defaults” button
Click “Yes” to confirm the action

Windows will warn you that restoring the default settings may cause some programs to stop working. This is only the case if you had previously added custom firewall rules to allow certain programs through. In most cases, restoring the defaults is safe.

After resetting the firewall, restart your computer. The firewall will now be using its original settings that came with your version of Windows.

Use the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a handy troubleshooter tool that can automatically diagnose and fix common Windows Firewall problems. To use it:

Download the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter from the official Microsoft website
Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts to scan for issues
If any problems are found, the tool will attempt to automatically fix them

The troubleshooter can resolve issues like the firewall failing to start, error codes like 0x5 or 80070424, Remote Assistance not working due to the firewall, and more.

Manually Allow Programs Through the Firewall

If a specific program is being blocked by the firewall, you can manually create a rule to allow it through:

Open the Control Panel
Click on “System and Security”
Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”
Click “Add an Allowed App”
Check the box next to the program you want to allow
Click “OK” to save the rule

You can also click “Advanced Settings” on the left pane to access more granular firewall controls to create custom rules.

Scan for Malware

Malware can sometimes interfere with the Windows Firewall and cause it to malfunction. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for any infections. If you don’t have antivirus installed, use the built-in Windows Defender or download a free scanner like Malwarebytes.

Perform the scan in Safe Mode for the best results. If any malware is detected, remove it and then restart your computer. The firewall should now function properly.

Check Firewall Service and Drivers

The Windows Firewall relies on several services and drivers to operate. Make sure these are running properly:

Open the Services management console by typing “services.msc” in the Run dialog
Locate the “Windows Defender Firewall” service and ensure it is running and set to Automatic startup
Also check that the “Remote Procedure Call” and “Base Filtering Engine” services are running
Open the Device Manager and check under “Network Adapters” for the “Windows Firewall Authorization Driver”
Double-click the driver, go to the “Driver” tab, and make sure it is started and set to “Demand” startup type

If any of these services or drivers are not running properly, start them and set them to Automatic startup. Then restart your computer.

In most cases, one of these troubleshooting steps should resolve any issues you’re having with the Windows Firewall. The firewall is an important security component, so it’s crucial to keep it running smoothly. If problems persist, you may need to perform a repair install of Windows or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.