Windows Firewall is an important security feature that helps protect your computer from unauthorized network connections. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and can block suspicious connections before they become a security problem.
However, Windows Firewall can sometimes stop working. You may see messages such as “Windows Firewall cannot start,” “Windows Defender Firewall settings cannot be displayed,” or “Windows Firewall is not running.” In some cases, the Firewall option may also be disabled or refuse to turn on.
The problem can be caused by damaged system files, disabled Windows services, incorrect security settings, third-party antivirus software, corrupted firewall rules, or problems introduced after a Windows update.
Fortunately, you can usually restore Windows Firewall without reinstalling Windows. This guide explains several reliable ways to fix Windows Firewall when it is not working.
Why Is Windows Firewall Not Working?
Before applying the fixes, it helps to understand what may be causing the problem.
Common causes include:
- Windows Defender Firewall service is stopped.
- Windows Firewall settings are corrupted.
- Windows system files are damaged.
- A third-party antivirus or security program is interfering.
- Incorrect firewall rules are preventing the service from starting.
- Windows Security components are malfunctioning.
- A recent Windows update caused a configuration problem.
- Malware changed Windows security settings.
- Required Windows services are disabled.
- Network or firewall policies were modified.
You do not necessarily need to identify the exact cause first. Start with the simplest solutions and move toward more advanced repairs if necessary.
1. Restart Your Computer
A temporary Windows service or networking problem can sometimes prevent the Firewall from starting.
Restart Windows before making more complicated changes.
After restarting:
- Press Windows + I.
- Open Privacy & security.
- Select Windows Security.
- Click Firewall & network protection.
- Check whether the firewall is active.
If Windows Firewall is still not working, continue with the next solution.
2. Check the Windows Defender Firewall Service
The Windows Defender Firewall service must be running for the firewall to function properly.
To check it:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
services.msc
- Press Enter.
- Find Windows Defender Firewall.
- Double-click the service.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start if the service is stopped.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer and test Windows Firewall again.
What If the Service Will Not Start?
If Windows displays an error when you try to start the service, another Windows component may be causing the problem.
In that situation, continue with the System File Checker and DISM repairs described below.
3. Check Required Windows Services
Windows Firewall depends on other Windows components. If one of them is disabled, the firewall may fail to start.
Open Services again by pressing Windows + R, entering services.msc, and pressing Enter.
Check these services:
- Windows Defender Firewall
- Base Filtering Engine
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Windows Management Instrumentation
For each service:
- Double-click the service.
- Check its status.
- Make sure required services are not disabled.
- Start the service if it is stopped.
Be careful when changing Windows services. Avoid disabling services unless you know exactly what they do.
4. Run the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter
Windows includes troubleshooting tools that can identify certain configuration and security problems.
Open:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Look for available troubleshooting tools related to network or Windows components.
You can also use Windows’ built-in diagnostic tools if a firewall-related troubleshooter is available on your version of Windows.
After completing the troubleshooting process, restart the computer and check Firewall & network protection again.
5. Reset Windows Firewall to Default Settings
Corrupted or incorrectly configured firewall rules can prevent Windows Firewall from behaving normally.
Resetting the firewall removes custom firewall configurations and returns it to its default configuration.
To reset it through Windows Security:
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Firewall & network protection.
- Scroll down.
- Select Restore firewalls to default.
- Confirm the reset.
Keep in mind that resetting the firewall can remove custom rules you previously created.
If you use applications that require manually configured firewall rules, you may need to recreate those rules afterward.
6. Reset Windows Firewall Using Command Prompt
If the normal Windows Security interface does not work, you can reset the firewall using an elevated Command Prompt.
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter:
netsh advfirewall reset
- Press Enter.
You should receive a message indicating that the firewall configuration has been reset.
Restart Windows and check whether the firewall is working.
Reset Firewall Policies
If the configuration is severely corrupted, you can also inspect the current firewall configuration with:
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
This command displays the firewall status for the available network profiles.
7. Run System File Checker
Damaged Windows system files can cause Windows Firewall and other security components to malfunction.
Windows includes System File Checker (SFC) for repairing corrupted protected system files.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
Wait until the scan reaches 100%.
If SFC finds damaged files, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically.
Restart your computer after the scan finishes.
8. Run DISM to Repair Windows Components
If SFC cannot repair all corrupted files, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The process may take several minutes.
When it finishes, run SFC again:
sfc /scannow
Restart Windows after both commands complete.
This combination is particularly useful when Windows components have become corrupted.
9. Check for Third-Party Antivirus Software
Third-party antivirus and internet security applications can sometimes interfere with Windows Firewall.
If you recently installed security software and the firewall stopped working afterward, the software may be responsible.
Temporarily disable the third-party security application’s firewall or network protection feature and check Windows Firewall again.
If the problem disappears, review the application’s firewall settings or uninstall the conflicting security software.
Do not leave your computer without security protection for an extended period. Only disable security features temporarily for troubleshooting.
10. Remove Conflicting Firewall Applications
Some security programs install their own firewall or network filtering components.
Examples include:
- Third-party internet security suites
- Network monitoring applications
- VPN software with network filtering
- Endpoint security software
- Network traffic control utilities
If multiple programs attempt to control network traffic, conflicts can occur.
Check Settings → Apps → Installed apps for recently installed security or networking software.
If the Firewall problem started after installing one of these applications, consider temporarily uninstalling it and restarting Windows.
11. Scan Windows for Malware
Malware can modify Windows security settings or interfere with security services.
If Windows Firewall suddenly stops working without an obvious reason, perform a security scan.
Open Windows Security:
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Scan options.
- Run a Full scan.
For suspicious or persistent infections, consider using Microsoft Defender Offline if it is available on your Windows installation.
A malware scan is especially important if you notice other unusual symptoms, such as disabled security settings, unexpected browser behavior, unknown applications, or unexplained network activity.
12. Check Windows Security Policies
On some computers, firewall settings can be controlled by organizational policies.
This is common on:
- Business computers
- School computers
- Managed devices
- Computers connected to a company domain
If Windows says that certain firewall settings are managed by an administrator, you may not have permission to change them.
If the computer belongs to an organization, contact the administrator rather than attempting to override the policy.
13. Install Pending Windows Updates
A Windows bug can occasionally affect security components.
To check for updates:
- Press Windows + I.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the computer.
After Windows finishes updating, check the firewall again.
If the problem appeared immediately after an update, note the update number and date. This information can be useful when troubleshooting the issue further.
14. Use System Restore
If Windows Firewall worked correctly in the past and recently stopped working, System Restore may help.
System Restore can return Windows system files, settings, and certain installed components to an earlier state.
To access it:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
rstrui.exe
- Press Enter.
- Choose an available restore point.
- Follow the instructions.
Choose a restore point created before the firewall problem began.
System Restore does not normally remove personal files, but applications and drivers installed after the selected restore point may be affected.
15. Create a New Windows User Profile
A damaged user profile can sometimes cause unusual Windows configuration problems.
If Windows Firewall works correctly under another administrator account, your original Windows profile may be damaged.
You can test this by creating another local user account:
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts.
- Choose Other users.
- Add another account.
- Sign into the new account.
- Check Windows Firewall.
If the firewall works normally under the new profile, the original profile may require repair or replacement.
16. Repair Windows Without Losing Personal Files
If none of the previous methods work, Windows itself may have a deeper component problem.
Before considering a clean installation, investigate Windows repair or in-place repair options appropriate for your Windows version.
A repair installation can replace damaged Windows components while preserving personal data in supported scenarios.
Always back up important files before performing major Windows repairs.
How to Check Whether Windows Firewall Is Working
After applying a fix, verify the firewall status.
Open:
Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection
You should see your active network profile and its firewall status.
You can also use Command Prompt.
Run:
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
Look for:
State ON
for the relevant firewall profiles.
If the firewall is enabled and Windows Security no longer displays an error, the problem may have been resolved.
What to Do If Windows Firewall Keeps Turning Off
If Windows Firewall repeatedly turns itself off, do not simply keep enabling it manually.
Investigate the underlying cause.
Check:
- Third-party antivirus software.
- Windows Defender Firewall service.
- Base Filtering Engine service.
- Malware infections.
- Group Policy settings.
- Recently installed applications.
- Recently installed Windows updates.
- Corrupted Windows system files.
A firewall that repeatedly disables itself can indicate a software conflict, policy restriction, corrupted system component, or security problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t Windows Firewall turn on?
Windows Firewall may fail to turn on because its service is disabled, required Windows components are damaged, another security program is controlling network traffic, or firewall policies are corrupted.
How do I restart Windows Firewall?
Open services.msc, locate Windows Defender Firewall, and select Start or Restart when available. Make sure its startup type is set appropriately.
Does resetting Windows Firewall delete my files?
No. Resetting Windows Firewall does not normally delete personal files. However, it removes custom firewall rules and settings.
Can antivirus software block Windows Firewall?
Yes. Some third-party security programs install their own firewall or network filtering components and may conflict with Windows Firewall.
Is it safe to reset Windows Firewall?
Generally, yes. Resetting it restores the default firewall configuration. However, custom rules created for specific applications may be removed.
What command resets Windows Firewall?
The following elevated Command Prompt command resets Windows Firewall:
netsh advfirewall reset
Can SFC fix Windows Firewall?
SFC can repair corrupted protected Windows system files that may contribute to firewall problems. If SFC cannot repair everything, running DISM followed by SFC can be helpful.
Should I disable Windows Firewall permanently?
No. Windows Firewall provides an important layer of network protection. If another security product manages your firewall, make sure your computer still has an active firewall before disabling Windows’ built-in protection.
Final Thoughts
Windows Firewall not working can be frustrating, especially when Windows displays an error or refuses to enable firewall protection. Fortunately, most problems can be fixed without reinstalling Windows.
Start with simple solutions such as restarting Windows and checking the Windows Defender Firewall service. If that does not work, reset the firewall configuration, remove potential software conflicts, and use SFC and DISM to repair damaged Windows components.
If the firewall repeatedly turns off, investigate third-party security software, malware, Windows policies, and recent system changes. Taking the time to identify the underlying cause is better than repeatedly switching the firewall back on.
Once Windows Firewall is working again, verify that your active network profile is protected and review any custom firewall rules you previously created.