Manage Firewall Connection Rules in Desktop Security for Windows

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

Creating firewall connection rules allows you to control which apps or services can access the internet or your network, helping to protect your device from unwanted or potentially harmful connections. You can manage these connection rules by using the Windows Firewall Control feature under the Tools section in the Desktop Security app. From there, you can view, create, edit, or delete rules to help keep your device safe against unauthorized access and threats from the outside.

View Your Connection Rules

Your existing connection rules created through Windows Firewall or another method will appear in your rules list. You can review this list to manage these rules, giving you visibility and control over how your device handles network traffic.

To view your connection rules: 

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Click on the Rules tab.
5. A list of your connection rules shows. To filter by System Apps and UWP apps, check the boxes.

Create a Connection Rule

You can easily customize how specific applications or services connect through the firewall by creating a connection rule. 

To create a connection rule:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Click on the Rules tab.
5. Click Create rule.
6. The Create rule screen appears.
   Note: We do not recommend creating an Advanced rule. If you make changes and need help, contact Support.
7. In the Program dropdown:
   • Select This Program. Click Browse to search for the app you are creating a rule for, then click Open.
   • Note: To create a rule that applies to all apps, select All programs in the Program dropdown.
8. In the Name field, enter your desired rule name.
9. In the Direction dropdown, choose Outbound or Inbound connection type.
10. Under Network, all three boxes are checked by default. We do not recommend unchecking any boxes unless you are familiar with firewall settings.
11. In the Action dropdown, choose to Allow or Block the app's connection from your device network.
12. When you are finished configuring the rule, click Confirm.
13. In the pop-up, click Yes.

Edit a Connection Rule

You can update the existing rules to refine how traffic is managed through the firewall.

To edit a connection rule:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Click on the Rules tab.
5. Find the rule in your list of rules, then click on the vertical three dots.
6. Click Edit rule.
7. The Customize rule screen appears.
   Note: We do not recommend creating an Advanced rule. If you are making changes to an existing Advanced rule, click on the Advanced tab or contact Support for help.
8. Customize your rule by editing program, name, outbound or inbound connection, network, and allow or block settings.
9. When you are finished editing the rule, click Confirm.
10. In the pop-up, click Yes.

Delete a Connection Rule

Remove rules that are no longer needed to keep your firewall configuration clean and efficient.

To delete a connection rule:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click Windows Firewall Control.
4. Click on the Rules tab.
5. Find the rule in your list of rules, then click on the vertical three dots.
6. Click Delete rule.
7. A pop-up asking if you want to delete the rule appears. Click Yes.
8. Another pop-up asking to allow the app to make changes to your device appears. Click Yes.