When you log in to an enterprise domain, you are authenticating your credentials with the overall system, including whatever firewall is in place. This basic principle also applies to individuals logging into a home network–you are granting yourself permission to use the network and pass data through a firewall. Under normal circumstances, if an application does not have access credentials, it is blocked from the rest of the network by firewall security protocols.
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For users of Microsoft Windows 10, the firewall controlling access to devices on your home network is the one which was installed as part of the Windows Defender security suite. In addition to virus and other malware protection, Windows Defender also includes a basic, but effective, firewall that users can configure and adjust depending on their needs.
This how-to tutorial shows you how to access and turn on the Windows Defender firewall. It also explains how to grant an application access through the firewall and then modify user notifications, so you can know exactly what is happening on your Windows 10 systems.
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How do I check my Windows Firewall settings?
The Windows Defender firewall is on by default, but if you want to check it out and make sure, you have to navigate to the Windows Defender Security Center. Open Settings by clicking or tapping on the Start button and then clicking the Settings icon. Scroll down the list and click on the Update & Security menu item. In the left navigation menu of the next screen, click on the Windows Security item to reach the settings screen shown in Figure A. Click the button that says: Open Windows Defender Security Center.
Figure A
The Windows Defender Security Center (Figure B) gives users access to all aspects of the Windows 10 security system. To check the status of the firewall, click the Firewall & Network Protection menu item.
Figure B
How do I see what Windows Firewall is blocking?
Three types of networks (domain, private and public) should be marked as On, as shown in Figure C. If one is marked as Off, click on it and click the button to move it to the On position. Unless you are operating under very specific circumstances, there is no reason for your basic Windows 10 firewall to be turned off. And, if you have to ask what those circumstances would be, then you definitely need to turn on the firewall.
Figure C
What happens if you turn the firewall off?
To allow a specific application to pass through the Windows Defender firewall, you will have to add it to the list of other permitted applications. Click the Allow An App Through Firewall link under the firewall status indicators to reach the settings screen shown in Figure D.
Figure D
As you can see, the existing list can be extensive. Click the Change Settings button, to allow access to the settings, then click Allow Another App button to start the addition process. You will have to browse your files to find the correct path of the app in question.
How to modify the Windows Firewall notification settings
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