Windows 10: The Windows Defender Firewall misbehaves when UWF is enabled. Is there a work-around?

When UWF is enabled in Windows 10 IoT LTSC, the firewall blocks incoming connections regardless of the firewall rules. I find this in the event log each time: "Windows Firewall was unable to notify the user that it blocked an application from accepting incoming connections on the network." The error code is 2. But when UWF is disabled, everything works as it should. So, not only does the firewall fail to implement the rules as defined, it fails to notify the user. How can I fix this without disabling the firwall completely?Thanks in advance,AndyLog Name: SecuritySource: Microsoft-W

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Problem when enabling Firewall (with Firewall exceptions) and Unified Write Filter (with UWF exclusions)

Hello,

I have a problem when enabling Firewall (with Firewall exceptions) and Unified Write Filter (with UWF exclusions). I have observed this problem in the following Windows 10 versions:

- Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB 1607

- Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC 1809

The Windows 10 machine is configured as follows:

- There is an application 'X' installed in "C:\folderX" directory.

- Firewall is enabled. Application 'X' is added as an exception to Firewall.

- UWF is enabled, C:\ drive is protected by UWF and "C:\folderX" directory is added as an UWF exclusion.

- Application 'X' needs to communicate with other external machines/applications via Ethernet Network interface.

The following two scenarios are observed:

a) If both Firewall and UWF are enabled, Application 'X' does NOT communicate with external machines/applications.

b) If Firewall is disabled or UWF is disabled or both are disabled, Application 'X' does successfully communicate with external machines/applications.

How can I solve the issue in scenario a)? This is, how can I have Firewall and UWF both enabled at the same time and Application 'X' communicating to external machines/applications?

Is this a known bug to Microsoft? If yes, is there any fix?

Thanks.

 

Windows 10 LTSC 2019 - UWF and Firewall conflicts

I found a strange behaviour in Windows 10 LTSC 2019 when UWF filter with some folder exception and firewall are turned on.

Scenario:

UWF filter ENABLED

UWF Exception for path C:\program files\somefolder

Firewall exception for C:\program files\somefolder\someprogram.exe

In this scenario the firewall exception does not work and it's not possible to reach the sockets opened by the exe from the network.

It start to work when UWF is DISABLED.

 

windows defender firewall

Hi Faye,

Third-party antivirus programs usually have their own uninstallers provided by the software developer. We suggest checking the developer's website or contacting their support team for assistance with uninstalling their program. After fully uninstalling the
third-party antivirus software, you may turn on Windows Defender by following these steps:

• Click Start.
• Type Windows Defender Security Center and press Enter.
• Click Firewall and network protection.
• Click Private (discoverable) network and click On.
• Click Public (non-discoverable) network and click On.

Let us know if you have any other concerns about Windows Defender.