Resetting Windows Firewall can help resolve configuration issues or restore default security settings. This guide explains how to do it safely and effectively using both Control Panel and Command Prompt.
Method 1: Using Control Panel
- Open Control Panel: Press
Windows Key + R, typecontrol, and hit Enter. - Navigate to Firewall Settings: Go to System and Security, then Windows Defender Firewall.
- Restore Defaults: On the left pane, click Restore defaults.
- Click Restore defaults again in the new window.
- Confirm by clicking Yes.
To perform a deeper reset that affects the entire firewall configuration at the policy level:
- On the left pane, click Advanced Settings.
- In the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window, click Action, then select Restore Default Policy.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Admin)
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press
Windows Key + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin). - Run the Reset Command:
netsh advfirewall reset
This command resets all firewall settings to their default state.
What Gets Reset?
- All custom rules (inbound/outbound).
- Allowed apps and services.
- Network profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Note: Before resetting your firewall, you may want to back up your current rules.
By following these methods, you can safely reset Windows Firewall to its default configuration. This ensures a clean security setup and helps resolve issues caused by custom rules or misconfigurations.
Tags
Windows