Can’t Turn on Windows Firewall? Here Is the Fix
Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.
Try Basic Fixes
Fix 1: Download and Run the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers a dedicated troubleshooter for identifying and fixing issues related to the Windows Firewall. Since it does not come baked into Windows, you mustdownload the Windows Firewall Troubleshooterfirst.
Double-click the downloaded file and clickNextto run the troubleshooter. Wait for the troubleshooter to run, then check if you can enable the firewall.
Fix 2: Run the SFC and DISM Scans
Sometimes, problems with your PC’s system files can disrupt Windows processes and prevent you from turning on the firewall.Running the SFC (System File Checker)and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans can help you replace problematic system files with their cached versions.
Step 1:Press theWindows + Skeyboard shortcut to open the search menu. Typeterminalin the search box, right-click on the first result, and selectRun as administrator.
Step 2:Type the following command in the console and pressEnterto run the SFC scan:
Step 3:Type the following commands one by one and pressEnterafter each command to run the DISM scan:
This might take a while. After the scan is complete, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
Fix 3: Reset Windows Firewall Settings
It’s possible that you can’t turn on the Windows Firewall due to misconfigured or corrupted settings. If that’s the case,resetting firewall settingsshould restore normalcy. Here’s how to do so.
Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar, typeWindows Defender Firewallin the text box, and pressEnter.
Step 2:SelectRestore defaultsfrom the left pane.
Step 3:Click onRestore defaults.
Step 4:SelectYeswhen the confirmation pop-up appears.
Fix 4: Edit Registry Files
Recent system-level changes may have messed up the registry settings on your PC. To rule out this possibility, check the registry entries related to the firewall and ensure that they are configured properly.
Step 1:Press theWindows + Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Typeregeditin the box and pressEnter.
Step 2:Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and pressEnter.
Step 3:If you see theDisableAntiSpywareDWORD in the right pane, right-click on it and selectDelete. If there’s no such entry, you don’t need to worry.
Step 4:Paste the following path in the address bar and pressEnter. Right-click on theBFEkey and selectPermissions.
Step 5:Click onAdd.
Step 6:TypeEveryonein the Enter the object names to select text field and clickOK.
Step 7:Select Everyone underGroup or user namesand tick theAllowcheckbox next to Full Control. Then, hitApply, followed byOK.
Restart your PC to apply the changes. Then, enable the firewall one more time.
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Last updated on 03 July, 2024
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