Disable Windows Defender: How to turn off the firewall

One would think that Microsoft has thought of everything with its operating system. It even comes with an in-house firewall, the so-called Windows Defender. Basically, this is also quite helpful, as it protects you from unauthorized access to your computer. If he causes problems, however, it can help to give him a temporary break from broadcasting. You can find out how to disable Windows Defender here.

Disable Windows Defender: Why It Can Help

First of all, disabling Windows Defender should only be an option if you’re absolutely sure what you’re doing. This is by no means a permanent solution unless you have a permanent alternative available. Even then, Windows Defender is still a pillar of security for your system. But sometimes Windows Firewall is the troublemaker itself.

The problem: If you have deactivated your firewall, your computer’s incoming and outgoing connections are no longer checked, making you an easy target for attackers. However, deactivating the Windows firewall may be necessary temporarily if you want to install certain software that only works without a firewall.

Disable firewall: Windows 10

The Defender Firewall can be easily deactivated under the Windows 10 operating system. Just follow the steps below:

How to disable (and re-enable) the firewall:

1. In the start menu, search for “Windows Defender Firewall‘ and click the option.
2. In the navigation on the left select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” out.
3. Depending on whether you want to disable or enable the firewall, click on the appropriate option.
4. With “OK‘ you confirm the entry and close the dialog.

Alternatively, Microsoft also suggests the following sequence: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Now select a network profile (there is a domain network, private network and public network) and then switch the setting on or off under “Windows Defender Firewall”.

danger: It can happen that the firewall under Windows 10 is automatically reactivated.

Don’t disable firewall, just add exceptions

In Windows 10 you can not only turn the firewall on and off, you can also add programs as “exceptions” that can communicate with the outside world despite the security barrier.

This is how you add an exception program:

1. In the start menu look for “Windows Defender Firewall‘ and click the option.
2. In the navigation on the left select “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” out.
3. After a new window opens, a list of programs will appear. These have the power to ignore Windows Defender. Click on “Change settings“, you can adjust the options.
4. You can now click the “Allow other apps…‘ button to add a new program to the existing list.
5. If your program is displayed as a selection in the new window, select it and confirm with “Add to“. If you don’t find the program there, you can find it via “Search‘ on your computer and add it.

Disable firewall in Windows 7 and 8

The firewall can also be deactivated with Windows 7 and 8. And just as easily and quickly as before.

This is how you turn off the firewall:

1. Opens the control panel.
2. Under “system and safety‘ you will find the option ‘windows firewall“, which you also click on.
3. On the left select the setting “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” out. The firewall can be deactivated there.
4. Enter the admin password if prompted, or confirm your entry.

To reactivate the Windows Defender Firewall, do the same and undo the settings.

More about security:

Conclusion: You have several options to choose from

As you can see, disabling Windows Defender is easy. Only a few targeted movements are necessary. However, you should think carefully about whether you want to temporarily separate yourself from your computer’s in-house firewall. Ideally, you’ll return to it once you’ve been able to install a previously blocked but wanted program. An external protection program or another security measure is almost even better, then it is not critical if you have deactivated it for a long time.

In addition to the option of disabling Windows Defender, three helpful settings can open up new paths and doors for you when setting up your router. On the other hand, we also explain how you can activate Windows Defender if it is not already activated.

Sources: Microsoft, own research