tools

Overview

Windows Defender Firewall is the built-in firewall solution in Windows operating systems. It provides basic functionality for allowing or denying specific programs and supports customized inbound and outbound rules. Automatically applies firewall profiles based on the detected network type via Network Location Awareness (NLA).

Target / Context

Windows systems requiring host-based firewall configuration. Applies different rule sets based on network profile — Domain, Private, or Public.

Installation

ℹ︎Installation Commands:

Built into Windows — no installation required Open via:

wf.msc

Or: Control Panel -> Windows Defender Firewall

Basic Usage

ℹ︎Basic Usage: 
wf.msc

Flags & Options

ℹ︎Flags & Options:
OptionDescription
Inbound RulesControls traffic coming into the system
Outbound RulesControls traffic leaving the system
Domain ProfileApplied when connected to a domain network
Private ProfileApplied when connected to a trusted home network
Public ProfileApplied when connected to untrusted public networks

Common Use Cases

View or Change Network Profile

Windows automatically selects a profile based on NLA. Profiles apply different rule sets.

ℹ︎Steps:

Control Panel -> Windows Defender Firewall View current profile: Domain / Private / Public

Create a Custom Outbound or Inbound Rule

ℹ︎Steps:
  1. Open wf.msc
  2. Click Advanced Settings on the left side
  3. Click Outbound Rules or Inbound Rules
  4. Click New Rule
  5. Select Custom
  6. Select All Programs
  7. Select protocol type: TCP
  8. Keep Local Port as default
  9. Change Remote Port to Specific Ports
  10. Specify the ports to block
  11. In the Scope tab keep defaults
  12. In the Action tab select Block the connection
  13. Name and save the rule

References / Images