How to Turn Off Firewall

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Your computer's firewall is important for protecting against malware and hackers, but it can sometimes block access to apps or connections you want. You can temporarily disable it, but be aware that doing so puts you at risk of unauthorized access and attacks from hackers. This wikiHow article shows you how to disable your firewall.

How do you disable a firewall on your browser?

  • Some firewalls may block access to an app or connection you need.
  • Navigate to "Update & Security" in your settings, then "Windows Security". Use the toggle to turn off "Microsoft Defender Firewall".
  • Disabling your firewall can increase your risk of unauthorized access to your computer.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Windows 10

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  1. The Windows Start menu is the button that has the Windows logo on it. By default, it is in the lower-left corner. Click this button to display the Windows Start menu.
  2. It's the icon that resembles a gear. It's in the panel to the left of the Windows Start menu. This opens the Settings menu.
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  3. It has an icon that resembles two arching arrows forming a circle. It's in the Windows Settings menu.
  4. It's next to an icon that resembles a shield. It's in the panel to the left.
  5. It's the button at the top of the Windows Security page.
  6. It's next to an icon that resembles a radio tower. You can either click it in the panel to the left or the large icon in the center of the page.
  7. Generally, your Wi-Fi or internet network is found under Public network . Private network is where you can control access to your local area network and other devices connected to your computer. Domain network is for a workspace network consisting of multiple computers on the same network.
  8. This turns your firewall off. This could make your network more vulnerable to unauthorized access and outside attacks.
    • If you don't see a toggle switch below "Microsoft Defender Firewall," check to see if there is a firewall controlled by a third-party app, such as an antivirus program listed above "Microsoft Defender Firewall." If you see a third-party app listed, click Open app below the listed app. Locate the firewall settings in the third-party app and disable them.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

macOS

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  1. It's the apple-shaped icon that's in the top-left corner of your Mac's screen. Click this icon to display the Apple menu.
  2. You'll see this option near the top of the drop-down menu.
  3. It has an icon that resembles a house with a combination lock on the front. Click this icon to open the Mac security settings.
    • On older versions of Mac OS, this option may be Security instead.
  4. It's the third tab at the top of the Security & Privacy window. [1]
  5. This icon is in the bottom-left corner of the Security & Privacy window. This displays a user login pop-up.
  6. Administrator privileges are required to make changes to the Privacy & Security settings. Enter your administrative password to unlock the Privacy & Security settings.
  7. It's the button in the middle of the page. This disables your firewall. This could make your network more vulnerable to unauthorized access and outside attacks.
    • If you see Turn On Firewall instead, your Mac's firewall is already off.
  8. Doing this will save and password-protect your changes.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Windows 7 & 8

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  1. To do this, you'll either click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or you'll press the key with the Windows logo on your keyboard.
  2. Doing so will search your computer for Windows Firewall.
  3. It's an image of a brick wall with a globe behind it; you'll see this option at the top of the Start menu's search window.
  4. This link is on the left side of the page.
  5. You can do this for both the "Private" and the "Public" network settings categories.
    • You may first have to confirm that you wish to perform this action by clicking OK or Yes on a pop-up window.
    • If you see a yellow bar at the top that says "These settings are being managed by vendor application [application name]," this means that your firewall settings are being managed by a third-party application such as an antivirus program. You will need to disable your firewall settings inside that app. Open the program mentioned in the yellow bar and locate the firewall settings. Disable the firewall settings inside the app.
  6. It's at the bottom of the page. Doing so will disable your computer's firewall.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Windows Vista

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  1. You can do so by either clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen or pressing the key with the Windows logo on your keyboard.
  2. You'll likely find this option on the right side of the Start window, though you may first need to click All Programs .
  3. This option resembles a multicolored shield; it's on the left side of the window.
  4. It's in the top-left corner of the page.
  5. You'll see this option in the top-left corner of the page.
    • You may be prompted to enter your Administrator password here.
  6. It's toward the bottom of the page.
    • If you cannot turn off the firewall settings or indicates the firewall settings are being controlled by a third-party program or vendor, this means that your firewall is being controlled by a separate application, such as an antivirus program. Open the application that is controlling your antivirus settings and locate the firewall settings and disable them from inside the third-party app.
  7. This will disable your Windows Vista computer's firewall.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Windows XP

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  1. It's in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Doing so will open the Start menu.
    • You may first have to hover your mouse cursor over this corner to prompt the button to appear.
    • You can also press the key with the Windows logo on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
  2. This option is on the right side of the Windows Start pop-up window.
  3. This command opens the firewall settings directly.
  4. Doing so will run the above command and open your firewall's settings.
  5. It's toward the bottom of the page.
    • If you don't see this option, first click the General tab at the top of the page.
    • If you cannot turn off the firewall settings or indicates the firewall settings are being controlled by a third-party program or vendor, this means that your firewall is being controlled by a separate application, such as an antivirus program. Open the application that is controlling your antivirus settings and locate the firewall settings and disable them from inside the third-party app
  6. This will save your changes and disable your computer's firewall.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I turn off my router's firewall?
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Michael Thompson-Brown is a Cybersecurity Expert based in Portland, Maine. He is the owner and founder of PCRescue!, a company that provides cybersecurity and data management solutions to small businesses and individuals. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is a certified ethical hacker. He is passionate about helping clients protect their data and systems from malicious attacks and helping them optimize their online presence and reach. He received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Expert Answer
    To turn off the router's firewall, access the gateway by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address into the address bar. Log in using the router's administrator credentials, typically found on a sticker on the router or provided by the manufacturer. Once logged in, navigate to the firewall or security settings section and disable the firewall option. Be cautious when doing so, as it may leave your network vulnerable to external threats.
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  • Question
    Is it possible to disable the firewall on another computer remotely?
    Community Answer
    If you have PsTools installed on your computer, you can disable Windows Firewall on other computers on your network by using this command: psexec \\ComputerHostname netsh firewall set opmode disable
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I turn off the chromebook firewall?
    Community Answer
    Go to Settings, Advanced, then turn off the option "Protect you and your device from dangerous web sites."
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      Tips

      • Instead of disabling your firewall, you can adjust your firewall settings in order to allow access from specific apps and devices.
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      • Only disable your firewall if you are doing something with which the firewall interferes, such as sharing files from your computer. Turn the firewall back on when you are finished with these tasks so your computer remains protected.
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      • If you've disabled your firewall but are still experiencing trouble sharing files or getting a certain program to work, you may need to disable any antivirus software you have as well since these programs often have their own firewall programs. Doing so can be risky since you're already not using a firewall.
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      Warnings

      • Disabling your firewall can significantly increase the risk of intruding software or users being able to access your information.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about firewalls and viruses, check out our in-depth interview with Michael Thompson-Brown .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201642

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Windows Start menu.
      2. Click the Settings icon.
      3. Click Update & Security .
      4. Click Windows Security .
      5. Click Firewall & Network Protections .
      6. Click Open Windows Security settings .
      7. Click a network profile.
      8. Click the toggle switch to disable Microsoft Defender Firewall or click the option to open the third-party firewall app and disable the firewall settings inside the app.

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