How to Turn Off and Disable the Windows 11 Firewall

This article explains how to turn off and disable the Windows 11 firewall, including instructions for allowing a single app through the Firewall.

How Do I Permanently Disable Windows 11 Firewall?

Windows 11 has a built-in firewall called Windows Defender Firewall. It works pretty well at protecting your computer from outside threats without causing too much trouble, but there are situations where it can get in the way. If you’re tired of dealing with connectivity problems, then you can turn off the Windows 11 firewall and open your computer up to the internet.

Here’s how to disable the Windows 11 firewall:

1. Right click the Windows icon on the taskbar.

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Privacy & security.

4. Click Windows Security.

5. Click Open Windows Security.

6. Click Firewall & network protection.

7. Click Public network.

8. In the Microsoft Defender Firewall section, click the toggle to turn it off.

9. When the toggle is switched off, you’ll see this message in the Microsoft Defender Firewall section: Public firewall is off. Your device may be vulnerable.

10. Your Windows 11 firewall is now off.

How Do I Turn Off My Firewall Temporarily?

While turning off Windows Defender in Windows 11 is permanent, meaning it won't turn back on by itself, it is easily reversible. To only turn off your firewall temporarily, you just need to turn it back on when you’re ready. This works exactly the same as turning it off. Just return to the screen where you turned the firewall off, and turn it back on.

Here’s how to turn the firewall back on in Windows 11:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, and click Public Network.

2. Click the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle to turn it on.

3. When the toggle is on, your Windows 11 firewall is back on.

How Do I Disable a Specific Firewall Application?

If you’re having trouble with an app not working correctly due to the Windows 11 firewall, allowing that single app through the firewall is less dangerous than completely disabling the firewall. If you’re sure you trust the app, you can provide it with permission to bypass the firewall.

Here’s how to disable the Windows 11 firewall for a single app:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, and click Allow an app through firewall.

2. Click Change settings.

3. Click Allow another app.

4. Click Browse, and locate the app you want to add.

5. Click Add.

6. Click OK.

7. The app is now allowed to bypass your Windows 11 firewall.

   If you selected the wrong app, or you experience problems after adding the app, return to this menu, click the app, and click Remove.

Is Turning Off the Windows 11 Firewall Safe?

The Windows Defender Firewall is only safe if you have another firewall running on your computer. If you don’t have another firewall, then disabling the Windows 11 firewall opens your device up to external attacks. So you can feel free to disable Windows Defender Firewall if you have another firewall running, but avoid disabling it if it’s your only firewall unless you have a very good reason. Allowing individual apps to bypass the firewall is less dangerous, but only if you’re sure that the apps you allow aren’t malicious. If you accidentally allow malware to bypass your firewall, it can create a lot of other problems for you.