Add or Remove Allowed Apps through Windows Firewall in Windows 10  

Finhobbyist said:

Hi All. (win10 20H2)
When I block an App in the Firewall Outbound Rule for "private profile" (Enabled=Yes, Block), it shows ticked in the Allowed apps and features list as discussed in this tutorial above (Thanks Shawn)?
Is this correct?

Hello Fin,

If the app is checked in the allowed list, then it's not blocked. It should be unchecked.

Finhobbyist said:

Hi Shawn, thanks for your reply.
That is then a bit strange, as the app definately is blocked from the net, but still shows in the allowed list. This is the same for a few blocked apps.
If you un-tick the app, then it changes to Enabled=No.
Can it be that if you enable a rule, that it shows in the Allowed list, even if it is blocked??

Thanks.

An app will show in the list, but it depends on if it's checked or not for allowing through "Public" and "Private".

Finhobbyist said:

Hi Shawn
Maybe my pic will make more sense. This shows how the settings look, all at one time.

Ah, ok.

You have the "Microsoft Store" app blocked for outbound, but checked to allow inbound.

Finhobbyist said:

Nope, then the tickbox would be greyed with a tick inside. MS Store and others is blocked for inbound and outbound.
This truly is a mystery, but I will make peace with it for now as the apps is definately blocked.

That is odd being checked like that then when it shows as blocked under both the "Inbound Rules" and "Outbound Rules".

Probe said:

Hey Shawn, I'm using "Windows Firewall Control" not sure if you've heard of it. Mbam now owns it. Anyway, WFC is blocking my Mail app. I need to allow "Mail and Calendar" app thru the firewall. When I go to "browse" to add an app, not sure where to browse to. Have a look at my firewall window now...

That's a good question.

I don't see a obvious way to allow or block an app from the Microsoft Store in Windows Defender Firewall either.