How to Turn Off The Firewall in Windows 10

In this guide, we will explore three effective methods to disable the Windows 10 firewall, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge to navigate through this process seamlessly.

Posted by @Lucas November 13, 2025 Updated By @Lucas January 30, 2024

Microsoft Defender Firewall is a security feature in Windows 10 that analyzes all incoming and outgoing network traffic and permits or denies it based on a set of rules meant to protect your system from hackers. Although it is recommended that the firewall remain active at all times, there are instances when it is essential to switch it off, such as when testing an app connection or when using an alternative firewall solution.

firewalls serve as the first line of defense against potential threats. Windows 10 comes equipped with a robust built-in firewall to safeguard your system. However, there may be instances where you need to turn it off temporarily or permanently for specific reasons. In this guide, we will explore three effective methods to disable the Windows 10 firewall, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge to navigate through this process seamlessly.

Method 1: Turning off the Windows Defender Firewall through Control Panel

The Control Panel is a familiar interface for many Windows users, providing a user-friendly way to manage various system settings, including the firewall. Follow these steps to disable the firewall using the Control Panel:

Access the Control Panel:

Press the Windows key + S to open the search bar.

Type "Control Panel" and press Enter to open it.

Navigate to "System and Security":

Click on "System and Security" from the Control Panel options.

Open Windows Defender Firewall:

Within the "Security and Maintenance" section, locate and click on "Windows Defender Firewall."

Turn off the Firewall:

In the left pane, select the option "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off."

Choose the appropriate settings for both private and public networks and select "OK" to apply the changes.

Method 2: Disabling the Firewall via Windows Settings

Windows 10 also offers a modernized Settings app that allows users to manage system configurations efficiently. Follow these steps to turn off the firewall through Windows Settings:

Access Windows Settings:

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

Navigate to "Update & Security":

Click on "Update & Security" from the available options.

Select "Windows Security":

In the left pane, click on "Windows Security."

Open Firewall & Network Protection:

Click on "Firewall & network protection" to access firewall settings.

Turn off the Firewall:

Under the "Firewall & network protection" section, click on the active network (Private network or Public network).

Toggle the switch to turn off the firewall.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt to Disable the Firewall

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, the Command Prompt provides an alternative method to disable the Windows 10 firewall. Follow these steps to utilize the Command Prompt for this task:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Right-click on the Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

If prompted, choose "Yes" to run the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Disable the Firewall:

To turn off the firewall, type the following command and press Enter:

vbnetCopy code

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

Confirm the change by restarting your computer or using the following command:

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net stop MpsSvc

Keep in mind that turning off the firewall leaves your system vulnerable, so use this method cautiously and consider re-enabling it after your specific task is completed.

Conclusion

While the Windows 10 firewall is a crucial component for protecting your system, there are instances where turning it off becomes necessary. Whether you prefer the traditional Control Panel, the modern Windows Settings app, or the command-line efficiency of the Command Prompt, this guide has provided you with three comprehensive methods to disable the firewall based on your preferences and comfort level with different interfaces. Remember to exercise caution when turning off the firewall and only do so when necessary to maintain the security of your system.