Windows Defender Firewall

Question

How can I verify if my Windows Defender Firewall is turned on?

Environment

  • Windows Operating System

Resolution

Follow these steps to check the current status of your firewall:

  1. Click the Start menu Windows Start button icon.
  2. In the search bar, begin typing "Windows Defender Firewall".
  3. Select the result labeled Windows Defender Firewall (Control Panel).
    Search result showing the Firewall icon and Control Panel text

Verifying the Status

Once the window opens, verify that the firewall is active by looking for the green shield icons. If the firewall is active, you will see "On" next to your network states (Domain, Private, or Public).

Windows Defender Firewall interface showing Domain, Private, and Guest networks all with green checkmark icons indicating the state is On.

Note for Remote Users: If you are using Omnissa (VMware) Horizon, your desktop environment will appear within a remote session window. While the environment is virtual, the steps to check the firewall status are identical to a local Windows machine.

Screenshot of the Windows Firewall settings window as seen inside a VMware Horizon virtual desktop environment.

 

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