To turn Windows Firewall on or off

You must be logged on to this computer as an administrator to complete this procedure.

1. Open Windows Firewall.
2. On the General tab, click one of the following:

   • On (recommended). This is the setting that you should normally use.

     You can also select the Don't allow exceptions check box. When this check box is selected, the firewall blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your computer, including requests to programs or services selected on the Exceptions tab. Use this setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a dangerous virus or worm is spreading over the Internet.

   • Off (not recommended). Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer (and your network, if you have one) more vulnerable to damage from viruses or unknown intruders.

Warning

• If you use the Advanced tab to turn off Windows Firewall for one or more individual connections, the Windows Security Center will report that the firewall is off, even though the firewall is still turned on for other connections. Also, on the General tab, Windows Firewall will still be set to On.