How can I set my firewall? How it works

Besides antivirus software, the firewall is one of the most important protections for your computer, as it blocks unauthorized access, for example. Learn how to adjust Windows firewall settings and what you need to keep in mind.

How to set your Windows firewall

Unless another tool is installed and set differently, Windows Firewall is active by default to protect your system. Through the system settings of Windows, you have several options to adjust the settings of the firewall and set exceptions for selected programs.

1. Open the Start menu and click on the gear icon to access the settings.
2. Click on "Update and Security" and select the item "Windows Security" in the navigation.
3. Switch to the category "Firewall & Network Protection". Here you will find the status of the firewall and the various setting options.
4. About "Allow access from app by firewall" you can set exception rules for certain programs, so that they are no longer blocked.
5. Under "Settings for firewall notifications" you can specify which notifications should be displayed.
6. About "Advanced settings" you make the fine tuning of the firewall. Here, however, you normally do not need to change any settings.

Note that you need admin rights to change the settings.

Set firewall: How it works with other programs

If you do not use the Windows Firewall, but for example one from Bitdefender, Avast or Kaspersky, you cannot adjust the settings via the Windows Control Panel. Instead, you change all settings via the user interface of the respective programs.