Windows 10: Windows Firewall Turned Off By Itself

The last 2 days, I started getting a notification pop-up that my Windows Firewall is turned off. It says Tap or Click to turn on. I click and it takes me to the Windows Security Screen in Settings and I don't see anything for Windows Firewall. I clicked every option on that screen and didn't see anything for Firewall. The closest thing was Windows Defender Antivirus options under Virus & Threat Protection.


Going a round about way thru Control Panel, I get to a Windows Defender Firewall check screen and there's a red box that says "Windows Defender Firewall is not using the recommended settings to protect your computer" with a button next to it that says "Use recommended settings". I click on it and it does nothing. In fact all the links on that page are not working except for Troubleshoot my network. I try the Troubleshoot for Incoming Connections which covers my internet connection & Windows firewall. It came back clean.


In addition to this, some of my Microsoft apps suddenly got greyed out. Mail, Calendar and 2 games. I tried deleting the games & reinstalling and each time they download OK then fail during install. I've gone through the Microsoft Store to do this by the way.


I did some internet searching and found that some people are having similar problems after installing the Windows 10 Cumulative update KB4541335. This was an optional update, but it did pop up in my Windows Update notification, so I installed it. This would have been March 25th. The problems only showed up 2 days ago and I haven't installed any new software.


I've tried everything to remove/back out this KB4541335 update but can't. Tried to get Microsoft Support, but after spending an hour with them and getting nowhere, I gave up.


Is anyone having the same or similar issues? Those people that haven't installed the cumulative KB4541335 update, I'd suggest you don't.

:)

 

Firewall

Hello,

It is recommended to turn on your Firewalls to prevent your computer from unauthorized access and being vulnerable. Based on your issue description, it looks like you wanted to turn off Windows Firewall. To turn off Windows Firewall, kindly follow the steps
below:

• On Start, scroll down to Windows System > Control Panel > System
  and Security > Windows Firewall.
• Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
• Under the appropriate network setting, select Turn on Windows Firewall.
  • Note: If your PC is connected to a network, network policy settings might prevent you from completing these steps. For more info, contact your .administrator

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Cannot turn on network firewall for windows10 - SOLVED

Hello Sabrina,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

We regret the inconvenience you have experienced.

You mean to say, the option is grayed out?

Is this started to happen recently?

What happens when you tried to turn on Firewall?

Usually, Windows Firewall shouldn't be in turn off state unless you have another firewall turned on. Turning off Windows Firewall might make your PC (and your network, if you have one) more vulnerable to damage from worms or hackers.

To turn Windows Firewall on or off:

• 
  Click Start,
  
• 
  In Search, type firewall, and then select
  Windows Firewall.
  
• 
  Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off on left pane. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
  
• 
  Select Turn on Windows Firewall checkbox's and click
  OK
  

• 
  Note: If your PC is connected to a network, network policy settings might prevent you from completing these steps. For more info, contact your administrator.
  

Keep us posted if you require further assistance.

 

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.