Some programs and tasks, mainly third-party software, require you to disable the Firewall on your computer for them to run. However, turning off this security feature puts your PC at risk of malware or hacking attacks. I tested multiple ways to disable the Firewall, such as via the Command Prompt and the Control Panel.

Key Takeaways
  • Disabling the Firewall may be necessary to allow the installation of some apps and programs.
  • Turn it off using the Control Panel, Command Prompt, Group Policy Editor, and more. 
  • Removing Firewall security can expose your computer to data breaches and malware attacks.

Important: Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of turning off the Firewall before you start the process.

Method Difficulty Rating

Control Panel
Rated: 2/10

Command Prompt
Rated: 3/10

Local Group Policy
Rated: 5/10

For Single Program
Rated: 4/10

Windows Registry
Rated: 5/10

PowerShell
Rated: 4/10

Using Control Panel

Here is how to disable the Firewall using the Control Panel: 

  1. Open System And Security: Launch Control Panel > System and Security.
    How to disable Firewall
    System and Security (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Head To Windows Defender: Now, select Windows Defender Firewall. If Windows Defender is not installed, click on Windows Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall On Or Off.
  3. Disable Defender Firewall: Mark the circle against Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall (Not Recommended) > OK.
    How to disable Firewall
    Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Using Command Prompt

I ran the designated Command Prompt codes to switch off the Firewall on specific profiles:

  1. Launch Run Box: Simultaneously, press Windows+R > Type cmd > OK.
  2. Execute Profile Code: Proceed with the code specific to the chosen profile for which you want to disable Firewall.
    Featured ProfileCodes
    Domainnetsh advfirewall set domainprofile state off
    Publicnetsh advfirewall set publicprofile state off
    Privatenetsh advfirewall set privateprofile state off
    Allnetsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

Using Group Policy Editor

Carefully follow each step to avoid messing up any other setting:

  1. Enter Code In Run: Press the Windows+R for Run box > Enter gpedit.msc > OK.
  2. Navigate To Firewall Security: In Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall With Advanced Security > Press Windows Defender Firewall Properties.
    Go To Windows Defender Firewall Security
    Go To Windows Defender Firewall Security (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Pick Profile: Select the profile for which you want to turn off the Firewall (Domain, Private, Public) > Set the Firewall State to Off > OK.
    Remove Firewall For Profile
    Remove Firewall For Profile (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Disabling For A Single Program

I resort to this step-by-step process when I want to render the protection ineffective on a certain program:

  1. Bring Up Quick Link: Press the Windows+X to open the Quick Link menu.
  2. Find Defender Firewall: Follow Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Access Bypass App Settings: Select Allow A Program Through Windows Defender Firewall in the left pane.
    How to Disable Firewall
    Allow A Program Through Windows Defender Firewall (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  4. Select The App: Hit the Change Settings button > Locate the application you want to let through the Firewall by scrolling down.
  5. Remove Firewall For App: Mark the box next to the program to allow it through the Private and Public Firewall > OK.
    Select The Program You Want To Allow Through The Firewall
    Select The Program You Want To Allow Through The Firewall (Image By Tech4Gamers)
WARNING: Only allow programs that you trust through the Firewall. Otherwise, it can increase the risk of security breaches.

Using Registry Editor

Move ahead with the instructions below for the process to work:

  1. Access Run: Press the Windows+R to open Run box > Execute regedit > OK.
  2. Search In Registry: In the Registry Editor, navigate to
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy
  3. Find The Keys: In the FirewallPolicy folder, you will see two keys, DomainProfile and StandardProfile.
    Find Profile Keys
    Find Profile Keys (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  4. Modify Value Data: Double-click the key for the profile you want to disable the Firewall for (DomainProfile or StandardProfile) > Right-click on EnableFirewall DWORD > Modify.
    Modify DWORD Value
    Modify DWORD Value (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  5. Turn Off Firewall: Change the Value Data to 0 > OK.
    Change Value Data To 0
    Change Value Data To 0 (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Using Windows PowerShell

Execute the code in PowerShell to make the setting non-operational on certain profiles:

  1. Go To PowerShell: Push Windows+X to open the Quick Link menu > Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Execute Code: Use these codes to turn off the Firewall for the desired profile:
    Featured ProfileCode
    DomainSet-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain -Enabled False
    PublicSet-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Public -Enabled False
    PrivateSet-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Private -Enabled False
    AllSet-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled False
  3. Verify Firewall Status: To verify that the Firewall has been successfully disabled, run the following command > Note the status.
    Get-NetFirewallProfile
    

Pros And Cons Of Disabling Firewall

ProsCons
✅ Allows installation of apps and programs❌ Exposes computer to security breaches
✅ May slightly boost system performance❌ Allows unauthorized system access
✅ Removes network restrictions❌ Fails to protect against malware and virus

Final Words

I had to disable the Firewall because it restricted software installation via a third-party website. Doing so allowed for a smooth installation. Once completed, I re-enabled it to protect the system against data breaches. Additionally, although the above methods are easy and effective, you should have some knowledge of Windows security protocols to remove the Firewall.

WARNING: Always turn the Firewall back on after performing the required task. Not doing so can harm your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible To Disable The Firewall For A Specific Network Location?

Yes, it is possible by allowing the desired program through the Firewall in the Windows Defender Firewall settings and specifying the network location.

Can I Disable The Firewall For A Specific Port Or Range Of Ports?

Create an inbound rule in the Windows Defender Firewall settings to allow the desired program to go through the Firewall on the specified port or range of ports.

Can The Firewall Be Set To Turn On And Off At Scheduled Times?

You can do it using the Task Scheduler and the appropriate Command Prompt or PowerShell commands.


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Abdul Hadi
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