Windows has a built-in firewall that controls how programs connect to the Internet. If your Windows Firewall doesn’t allow Firefox to make connections, Firefox will display a “Server not found” error when you try to browse the web. How to turn on Windows firewall?
The system firewall used by Windows is your primary defense against external attacks. If you are not using third-party programs, always make sure it is enabled.
In today’s world of Internet threats, firewalls are a critical part of the system. And yet all sorts of software, including malware, and even people turn off this important part of the system. Most firewalls from independent manufacturers, that is, those not shipped with the Windows operating system, tell you when they are turned off. However, Windows Firewall sends vague and illegible warnings. By following the steps described here you will make sure that the Windows Firewall on your computer is turned on. Brief attention and time can help save data in the long term.
Turn Windows Firewall on or off
To turn on Windows Firewall:
- Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button, then Control Panel, Security and Windows Firewall.
- Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation.
- Click Enable (Recommended) and then click OK.
If you want the firewall to block everything, including the programs selected on the Exceptions tab, select the Block all incoming connections check box.
To turn off Windows Firewall:
Do not disable Windows Firewall unless another firewall is enabled. Disabling Windows Firewall may cause your computer (and network, if any) to be more vulnerable to damage from worms or hackers.
- Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button, then Control Panel, Security and Windows Firewall.
- Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation.
- Click Disable (not recommended), and then click OK.
How to check if the firewall is enabled
- Check the toolbar
Look at the bottom right corner of the screen for a red shield icon. If you can see it, you can click on it to make sure your firewall is turned off.
- Open Security Center
Even if the icon in the toolbar indicates the firewall status is disabled, it will not provide additional information. For more details, click on the Start menu and go to Control Panel. Then find the Security Center icon and launch it by double-clicking. The Security Center option can also be accessed by using the Run command in the Start menu and typing firewall.cpl, and then confirming with OK. Correct execution should cause the Security Center screen to appear.
- Check the Windows Firewall
Once in the Security Center settings window you will see the option to manage the system firewall. Green lights and “On” mean that the firewall is working. Red means disabling the entire service or one of its parts. To change the status, click on the selected option and change the status to “On”.
