Understanding Windows firewall


  1. verysame
    Posts : 31
    windows 10
       New #1

    Understanding Windows firewall


    Hi there,

    I used to use third-party software to interface with Windows built-in firewall (I tried Tinywall and BiniSoft)
    Now, I'm wondering if I can simply use Windows Firewall and skip those utilities altogether.

    I think I get how Windows Firewall works, it seems pretty straightforward: I click on "Allow an app through firewall" from the Windows Security screen which opens the old-style Windows Control Panel Firewall.
    Here, I click on Change Settings and now I can either block or add another app and decide whether to block it or allow it through the firewall.

    The one thing I'm not sure about which I always felt comfortable with when I used one of those utilities is, what happens to newly installed software? If something doesn't show up in the old-style Windows Control Panel Firewall how do I know if the new software is going through the network or not? Of course, I could simply open the software and try, but I'd like to know how the firewall works.

    With the utility, I know it wouldn't go through because they block basically everything unless I manually unblock it. In fact, it's due to their quite aggressive approach that I'm now considering avoiding them (they even block some Windows functionalities).
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  3. sygnus21
    Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       New #2

    verysame said:
    The one thing I'm not sure about which I always felt comfortable with when I used one of those utilities is, what happens to newly installed software? If something doesn't show up in the old-style Windows Control Panel Firewall how do I know if the new software is going through the network or not?
    Typically, if the app requires firewall permission it'll be granted (usually known apps). Other times you may get a popup asking to allow the app through the firewall when you first open the app.

    There are exceptions and things don't always go accordingly. In those cases you may have to manually allow the app through the firewall as you noted. I rarely have firewall issues, but if/when I do, they tend to be of a game type variety.

    This is the simple explanation, but I'm sure some will deep dive it. Or you can deep dive it yourself.

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