Windows 10: Temperamental Windows firewall...

I have a local network and all Windows 10 devices, that connect via the Ethernet, have their Ethernet interfaces configured as "Private network" (active). One of the PCs (file server) hosts files and configured to share these files over the private network. This works most of the times, PCs can browse to the files via "File Explorer". These PCs are actual desktops, behind a broadband firewall. Since the Windows updates sometimes changes how the file sharing works, read breaks it, started to map a drive to the shared files. That has been working and survived Windows updates. Until now, when the firewall started to block connection, effectively prevents accessing the file shares. The PC hosting the files doesn't even respond to Ping. In order to restore access to the file, all three (Domain, Private and Public network) protection is disabled for the file server. That causes a warning popup every so often about firewall protection. Tried to setup firewall rule for local network/Private network inbound access to the file server. That worked for about a day, but it stopped working, so, back to disabling all firewall protection. Is there a way to set these firewall rules active, but allow file sharing in the private network? TIA... PS: Yes, I can disable firewall/security notification as well, but rather not do that...

:)

 

Best free AV and firewall

Can Windows Firewall block outgoing connections yet? If not, it's one step above useless.

Look into Online Armor for a free firewall.

 

windows firewall question

yes i am sure i am having no issues with a router. this is at my work. and i only have issues with the windows 7 firewall.

as for adding ports, i do it the same as what is listed in your picture.

 

Good Antivirus + Firewall

I would never put anything Norton on my computer.

Nod32 is arguably the best antivirus. AVG is likely not as good, but it's free and at least pretty good.

Firewalls, I'd put Comodo and whatever "Tiny Personal Firewall" is named nowadays on your short list. I think Kerio might have sold it now and it's named something else. Otherwise, just put Comodo on your short list. I think the current version's ease of use has taken a step backwards, seems a bit counter-intuitive when trying to do certain things with it, but overall it does a good job and the price is right.