In this guide, we will show you how to enable the Windows 10 Firewall. In our Windows Firewall guide we explained what a firewall is. We also clarified the difference between a hardware and a software firewall. Every once in a while a firewall is turned off when you didn't do it. This is typically because you installed an antivirus program that has a firewall and it automatically disabled the Windows Firewall.
The Windows 10 Firewall is an excellent software firewall to run in the background and it should already be running if you have Windows 10. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using Windows 10 Firewall. It does an exceptional job at keeping the bad out and your information private. Do not use a different software firewall with the Windows 10 Firewall. Having more than one software firewall can cause problems. Generally, one of them will force uninstall the other.
As mentioned in our Windows Firewall guide we recommend running a hardware firewall along with a software firewall. Most routers now come with a hardware firewall included. A hardware firewall will not protect you when you leave your local network. When using a public Internet connection (such as a coffee shop or library) your ONLY protection is the software firewall you have on your computer. Keep your software firewall up and running.
Enable the Windows 10 Firewall
Find the key on your keyboard that looks like a window. This is the Window Key. Press this button to open up your Start Menu.
In the start menu type the word firewall. Then choose the option that reads Windows Firewall.
A new window appears where you can see the status of your Firewall. As you can see in the image below the firewall is on.
To enable the Windows 10 Firewall, click the option in the left sidebar labeled Turn Windows Firewall on or off. You should now see the image below. To enable the firewall, click the radio button with the green shield titled Turn on Windows Firewall.
Once that is done, click the OK button at the bottom of the page.
We strongly recommend having a software firewall in place. If you disable the Windows 10 firewall make sure to replace it with a different one immediately.
To learn more about how to use your Windows 10 software firewall check out our other guides on the topic.
