Setting Up a Firewall: Windows 7 - Basic
Last updated
March 22, 2011 5:20:33 PM PDT
Learn how to set up the Windows 7 firewall to protect your computer against malicious activity.
Note: Before starting, disable all firewalls on your machine. Don't use Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) or a similar program to install firewall software. Connect to your Windows machine directly, install the firewall, configure it to allow connections to and from RDC, and then reconnect RDC. Otherwise, the firewall blocks the remote connection and you can't access your machine.
After initial configuration, you can continue to the advanced settings page to create exceptions for additional services.
Expand all
- From the Start menu, click Control Panel, then click System and Security.
- Under Windows Firewall, select either Check firewall status to determine whether the firewall is turned on or off, or Allow a program through Windows Firewall to allow a blocked program through the firewall.
- Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off from the left side menu.
- Configure the settings for your home/work (private) or public network.
- Click OK to save your changes.
- Turn on Windows Firewall for each network location you use - Home or work (private) or Public.
- Click What are network locations? for more information on network types.
- Note: Domain network locations are controlled by your network administrator and can't be selected or changed.
- Select Turn on Windows Firewall under the applicable network location type (in image below, both locations are selected).
- Select Notify me when Windows Firewall blocks a new program for each network type, if the box is not already checked.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Expand all
