How to Turn Off or Disable the Firewall in Windows 11/10

Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in security feature that protects your system from threats by filtering network traffic and blocking unauthorized access. It is the barrier between malicious software, hackers, and other risks and your computer, preventing them from compromising your device. However, though not generally recommended, in some specific situations, you may need to turn off the Firewall in Windows 11/10. 

The scenarios that want you to disable the Firewall may include the Windows Firewall interfering with network connections, certain applications with complex network functionality conflicting with the Firewall, the presence of a more advanced firewall, and other specific situations, such as the need for administrators to simplify network access or perform testing within a highly controlled and secured network environment. 

However, if you are confused about how to turn off the Firewall when any such situation arises, this article will teach you the best possible ways to disable your Firewall. Before getting started with these methods, here is something important to know. 

Note: Disabling the Windows Firewall significantly increases the risks of viruses and other malware infections unless you have a more advanced firewall from a reputable vendor to protect your system. Hence, you must re-enable the Firewall as soon as the desired troubleshooting or configuration is complete. 

Now that you know the potential risks associated with disabling the Firewall and what you need to do to prevent them, let us proceed with how to disable the Firewall in Windows 11/10. 

Methods to Turn Off the Firewall on Windows 10/11

You can follow the methods below to disable the Firewall on your Windows computer. 

Method 1: Disable the Firewall from Windows Settings

Windows allows you to change the default configurations, such as disabling your Firewall, through the Settings tool. Hence, below is how to turn off the Firewall through Windows Settings. 

• First, right-click the Start button on the taskbar and choose Settings from the available options.

• Second, choose Update & Security from the Settings panel on your screen.

• Once the Update & Security window appears, choose Windows Security from the menu on the left pane of the Update & Security window.

• Next, click on the Open Windows Security button.

• In this step, choose Firewall & network protection from the on-screen menu.

• Next, you are required to click on a network. Generally, your internet network or WiFi is available under a Public network. The domain network is for a workspace network consisting of many PCs on the same network. A Private network is where you can control who can access your local area network and other computers connected to your computer.

• Lastly, toggle off the Microsoft Defender Firewall switch and click Yes if a confirmation screen appears. You can toggle this switch back on when you wish to enable the Firewall.

Also know: Best Anti-Hacking Software for Windows PC

Method 2: Turn off the Firewall using the Control Panel

Another way to control various settings on your computer is through the Control Panel. Below is how to disable the Firewall using the Control Panel. 

• First, activate Windows search using the Win+S keyboard shortcut.

• Next, type Control Panel in the on-screen search bar and click on the first search result.

• Once the Control Panel window appears on your screen, choose Category from the View By menu.

• In this step, select System and Security from the options present in the Control Panel menu.

• Next, choose Windows Firewall from the System and Security menu.

• In the Windows Firewall window, you can choose the Turn Windows Firewall on or off option.

• When the Customize Settings screen appears, choose the appropriate network and click on the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option.

• Lastly, click OK to complete the process.

Method 3: Turn off the Firewall with the Command Line

For more tech-savvy users, the best way to disable the Firewall is through the Command Line. Below are the steps to perform this action. 

• First, enable Windows search using the Win+S keyboard shortcut.

• Next, type Cmd or Command Prompt in the on-screen search bar and right-click the first search result.

• In this step, choose Run as administrator from the context menu that appears on your screen.

• Once the administrator Command Prompt appears, type or copy-paste the following command into the command line and press Enter.

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

• Lastly, you can verify the Firewall status by following the path Windows Security>Firewall & Network Protection>Checking the firewall status for each network profile. The firewall status for every network profile should be “Disabled” or “Off.”

When you have completed the troubleshooting/desired actions or want to re-enable the Firewall, open the administrator Command Prompt, type or copy and paste the netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on command in the command line, and press Enter. 

Also know: Best Open-Source Vulnerability Scanners & Tools

Windows 10/11 Firewall Disabled Successfully

This is how you turn off the Firewall in Windows 11/10 by following any of the above methods. However, remember to be cautious after you have disabled the Firewall, and remember to re-enable it after completing the desired action. 

If you have any questions, doubts, confusion, feedback, or suggestions about this article, you can share them with us through the comments section. We will be happy to hear from you and address all of your concerns.