Manage Firewall Filtering in Desktop Security for Windows

Note: The Windows Firewall Control feature is only available on Windows 10 and 11 devices.

A firewall helps protect your device and network by monitoring and controlling network traffic, meaning all incoming and outgoing network connections to and from your device, based on a set of security rules. Our Windows Firewall Control feature lets you easily work with the built-in Windows Defender Firewall on your device directly from the Desktop Security app. You can switch between filtering modes and access advanced security settings all in one place.

Manage Your Firewall Filtering Level

You can manage your level of protection by changing the filtering level of network traffic and toggling your profile between high, medium, low, and no filtering modes.

To change your firewall filtering profile:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Tools icon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Under the Overview tab, click on the dropdown under Current Profile.
5. Choose your firewall filtering level:
   • High filtering: This filtering level completely blocks all internet access. It should only be chosen in specific situations and not used unless absolutely necessary. Avoid using this setting to prevent unnecessary device isolation.
   • Medium filtering: Choosing this filtering level blocks all outbound connections by default, unless they match an allow rule. We do not recommend this filtering level unless you can create allow rules for all required connections.
   • Low filtering: Inbound connections are blocked. Outbound connections are allowed unless they match a block rule. This is your device's default filtering level, and we recommend keeping it.
   • No filtering: This filtering level turns off Windows Firewall completely, allowing all incoming and outgoing connections. We advise against using this option for everyday use. It's best reserved for troubleshooting when you need to identify issues.
6. Once you select a filtering level, a pop-up appears. Click Yes. 

View Windows Firewall Advanced Security and Control Panel

You can open and view your Windows Defender Firewall advanced security settings from the Desktop Security app. Open advanced security settings and control panel to configure your firewall settings directly from Windows Defender Firewall itself.

To open Windows Defender Firewall advanced security and rules:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Tools icon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Under the Overview tab, click Windows Firewall Advanced Security or Windows Firewall Control Panel.
5. You can now manage your firewall rules and configuration directly from Windows Defender Firewall settings.