Disabling the computer's firewall on a Windows computer

A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while allowing authorized communications.

The Windows® 10 and 11 operating system (OS) has a built-in firewall that provides security by limiting or preventing unauthorized access to your computer from the internet. Sometimes a software firewall conflicts with the built-in hardware firewall of the Linksys router; which is why there are instances when you have to disable it.
 
Disabling the Windows Firewall on your computer should only be done temporarily to allow downloads or hardware installation. Changes within the network may require you to re-enable Windows Firewall for your computer’s protection.

Click on your Windows OS below to learn how:


Windows 11
Windows 10
 



Windows 11

 

1. Click on the Windows sf143654-001_en_v7.png logo and enter "Control Panel" in the search field. 
 

sf143654-002_en_v7.png
 

2. Click Control Panel from the search results.

3. Select System and Security.

 

sf143654-003_en_v7.png
 

4. Click Windows Defender Firewall.
 

sf143654-004_en_v7.png
 

5. Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.


sf143654-005_en_v7.png
 

6. Click the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) radio buttons under the Private network settings and Public network settings. Click OK.


sf143654-006_en_v7.png
 

Your Windows 11 operating system’s built-in firewall should now be disabled.
 


  

Windows 10

 

1. Click on the Windows sf143654-007_en_v7.png logo and enter "control panel" in the search field. 


sf143654-008_en_v7

2. Click Control Panel from the search results.


sf143654-009_en_v7.png
 

3. Select System and Security.

 

sf143654-010_en_v7.png
 

4. Click Windows Defender Firewall.
 

sf143654-011_en_v7.png
 

5. Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.


sf143654-012_en_v7.png
 

6. Click the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) radio buttons under the Private network settings and Public network settings. Click OK.


Your Windows 10 operating system’s built-in firewall should now be disabled.
 

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