FAQs
Note: If the Change settings button is still greyed out, your administrator may have disabled the option for you to change the settings. Contact your administrator for help with this. If you are the administrator for the computer, restart Windows and log in with your administrator account, then follow the steps above.
How do I force Windows Firewall to enable? ›
Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off
- Select Start , then open Settings . ...
- Select a network profile: Domain network, Private network, or Public network.
- Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, switch the setting to On. ...
- To turn it off, switch the setting to Off.
Why is Windows Defender grayed out? ›
When the antivirus software is enabled, Windows Defender usually becomes grayed out or shows an error message that reads, “You're using another antivirus program.” So, to avoid any issues, it's best to temporarily disable your third-party antivirus program while using Windows Defender.
How do I restore Windows Firewall settings? ›
In the Control Panel, click System and Security . There, click Windows Defender Firewall . In the firewall settings, click Restore Defaults on the left side. Here you can reset the firewall to the default settings by clicking the Restore defaults button.
How do I unblock my firewall settings? ›
Change Device Permissions
- Click the Windows button.
- Click Settings.
- Click Privacy & Security.
- Click Windows Security.
- Click Firewall & Network Protection.
- Select your profile.
- Scroll to Microsoft Defender Firewall.
- Switch the settings to off.1.
Is Windows Firewall disabled by default? ›
Every type of network connection, whether it is wired, wireless, VPN, or even FireWire, has the firewall enabled by default, with some built-in exceptions to allow connections from machines on the local network.
Why my Windows Firewall is not working? ›
You can reset the Windows Firewall settings to default to resolve this issue. Step 1: Press Win + S and type Control Panel into the search box. Step 2: Press Enter to open the window. Step 3: Select System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, then click on the Restore defaults option on the left sidebar.
How to fix computer firewall malfunction? ›
6 Quick Steps to Identify and Solve Common Firewall Issues
- 1) Ping a PC near the device. ...
- 2) Ping the device. ...
- 3) Telnet and/or browse to the device. ...
- 4) Confirm the port configuration of the device. ...
- 5) Confirm that important IP addresses are not blocked. ...
- 6) Trace the route to the device.
Why is Windows greyed out? ›
The grayed-out windows shows that it is not the active window. This is a function of the Theme you are using.
Why is my Windows Security disabled? ›
For instance, your IT administrator may disable Windows security to ensure legacy applications or older software programs can run. Or perhaps they don't understand the importance of securing the Windows computer, or they don't trust Windows security.
To enable Windows Defender
- Click the windows logo. ...
- Scroll down and click Windows Security to open the application.
- On the Windows Security screen, check if any antivirus program has been installed and running in your computer. ...
- Click on Virus & threat protection as shown.
- Next, select Virus & threat protection icon.
How do I force enable Windows Firewall? ›
Go to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections > Windows Defender > Firewall > Domain Profile and enable the policy Windows Defender Firewall: Protect all network connections. 6.
How do I restart Windows Firewall service? ›
Type "services. msc" and hit Enter. . Look for "Windows Firewall" in the list of services, right-click it, and select "Restart".
How do you check Windows Firewall is enabled or not? ›
To check your firewall configuration, open Control Panel and then select 'System and Security. Choose Windows Defender Firewall. Select 'Advanced Settings'. Opening the Advanced Settings, you will need to review the 'Inbound Rules'.
How do I turn off firewall greyed out on Mac? ›
Macintosh OS X
If it is on, you will likely notice the 'Turn Off Firewall' button is greyed out. You will need to click the lock in the lower left corner. Enter your administrative credentcials when prompted. Now you will see the Turn Off Firewall button enabled, and you can turn off the firewall.
Why are internet options greyed out? ›
The options are grayed out because the settings are controlled by group policy. You need to check whether you have configured this policy: Security Zones: Do not allow users to add/delete sites. This policy will prevents users from adding or removing sites from security zones.
How do I remove restrictions from my firewall? ›
Turning off the Windows firewall
- Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall. ...
- Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off. ...
- Select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) for both Home or work (private) network location settings and Public network location settings, and then click OK.
How do I allow Chrome to access my firewall settings? ›
Open the firewall application and navigate to the application rules section. Add a new rule for Chrome, typically found under program control or application settings. Set the permissions to allow Chrome to connect to the network.