How to Disable Firewall on Windows 11 (Temporary & Complete Methods)

Windows 11 Firewall is designed to protect your PC from unauthorized access, but there are times when disabling it becomes necessary—especially for troubleshooting apps, games, or network issues.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to disable the firewall on Windows 11 safely, including temporary, permanent, CMD-based, and antivirus firewall methods. We’ll also explain why you might need to turn it off, and how to restrict internet access for specific apps instead of disabling the firewall completely.

Why Would You Disable Firewall on Windows 11?

Disabling the firewall is not recommended for daily use, but it can be helpful in these situations:

• Fixing network or internet connection issues
• Allowing blocked apps, games, or software updates
• Troubleshooting VPN, server, or LAN problems
• Testing third-party antivirus or firewall software
• Resolving conflicts after uninstalling antivirus programs

👉 If you recently removed antivirus software, see:
How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (Complete Removal Guide)

Method 1: Temporarily Disable Firewall Windows 11 (Recommended)

This is the safest way to test issues.

Steps to Temporarily Disable Firewall

1. Press Windows + I → open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & security → Windows Security
3. Click Firewall & network protection
4. Select Private network (or Public)
5. Toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall OFF

📌 This method answers how to temporarily disable firewall Windows 11 without permanent risk.

Method 2: How to Completely Disable Firewall Windows 11 (All Networks)

If you need to disable it fully:

1. Open Windows Security
2. Go to Firewall & network protection
3. Turn OFF firewall for:
   • Domain network
   • Private network
   • Public network

⚠️ Your system becomes vulnerable—only do this temporarily.

Method 3: How to Disable Firewall Windows 11 Using CMD

Advanced users may prefer Command Prompt.

Steps (Admin Required)

1. Press Windows + S, search CMD
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Enter this command:

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off

✅ This method covers how to disable firewall Windows 11 CMD.

To Enable Firewall Again

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on

This also answers how to enable firewall Windows 11.

Method 4: How to Disable Antivirus Firewall Windows 11

If you use third-party antivirus software:

• Open your antivirus dashboard
• Find Firewall Protection
• Turn it OFF temporarily

📌 Windows Defender Firewall usually disables itself when another firewall is active.

How to Remove Firewall Windows 11 (Important Clarification)

❌ You cannot permanently remove Microsoft Defender Firewall from Windows 11.
✔️ You can only disable or deactivate it.

This clarifies searches like how to remove firewall Windows 11.

How to Block or Restrict Internet Access for Any App (Best Alternative)

Instead of disabling the firewall entirely, block specific apps.

Steps to Block Internet Access for an App

1. Open Windows Security
2. Go to Firewall & network protection
3. Click Advanced settings
4. Select Outbound Rules
5. Click New Rule
6. Choose Program
7. Browse and select the app’s .exe file
8. Choose Block the connection
9. Apply to all profiles
10. Name the rule and save

✅ This answers how to block firewall Windows 11 for individual apps.

When You Should Re-Enable Firewall Immediately

• After troubleshooting is done
• When connecting to public Wi-Fi
• If Windows Defender shows security warnings
• After installing new software

Related Helpful Guides

• 👉 How to Enable Developer Options on Android (All Versions & Devices)
• 👉 How to Check Battery Health on Windows 11 (Easy & Accurate Methods)
• 👉 How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (Complete Removal Guide)

FAQs (Optimized for Featured Snippets & AI Overviews)

How do I completely disable firewall Windows 11?

Turn off firewall protection for all network profiles or use CMD with netsh advfirewall.

Is it safe to disable firewall on Windows 11?

Only temporarily. Leaving it disabled increases security risks.

How to disable firewall Windows 11 CMD?

Use netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off in Command Prompt (Admin).

Can I block one app instead of disabling firewall?

Yes, use Outbound Rules in Advanced Firewall settings.

How do I enable firewall Windows 11 again?

Turn it ON in Windows Security or run netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to disable firewall Windows 11 properly helps when troubleshooting, but it should never be a long-term solution. If a single app is causing issues, blocking that app’s internet access is a much safer alternative. Always re-enable your firewall once testing is complete to keep your PC secure.