Windows 10: Understanding Windows firewall

Hi there,

I used to use third-party software to interface with Windows built-in firewall (I tried Tinywall and BiniSoft)
Now, I'm wondering if I can simply use Windows Firewall and skip those utilities altogether.

I think I get how Windows Firewall works, it seems pretty straightforward: I click on "Allow an app through firewall" from the Windows Security screen which opens the old-style Windows Control Panel Firewall.
Here, I click on Change Settings and now I can either block or add another app and decide whether to block it or allow it through the firewall.

The one thing I'm not sure about which I always felt comfortable with when I used one of those utilities is, what happens to newly installed software? If something doesn't show up in the old-style Windows Control Panel Firewall how do I know if the new software is going through the network or not? Of course, I could simply open the software and try, but I'd like to know how the firewall works.

With the utility, I know it wouldn't go through because they block basically everything unless I manually unblock it. In fact, it's due to their quite aggressive approach that I'm now considering avoiding them (they even block some Windows functionalities).

:)

 

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.