When and why you might disable your firewall
You disable your firewall when a program you trust cannot connect to the internet or your network, and you have confirmed the firewall is blocking it. This happens most often with older software, games, or devices on your home network that the firewall doesn't recognize. Before you disable it, check whether the program has a setting to allow it through the firewall instead — that is safer than turning the firewall off entirely.
Disabling the firewall leaves your device unprotected against unwanted connections from the internet. Do this only for the specific program that needs it, only while you are using it, and only if you trust the source. If you disable the firewall and then forget about it, your device stays exposed. Most people should re-enable it as soon as the program works.
The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you are trying to allow one program or turn off the firewall completely. The safest approach is to add the program to the firewall's exception list rather than disable the firewall itself.
Key Takeaways
- Adding a program to your firewall's exception list is safer than disabling the firewall entirely, because your device stays protected from other threats.
- On Windows, you can allow a program through the firewall in Settings under Privacy & Security, or disable Windows Defender Firewall if you must.
- On Mac, you turn off the firewall in System Settings under Network, but this leaves your device unprotected until you turn it back on.
- If you disable your firewall, write down the date and set a reminder to turn it back on within a few hours or days.
- Never disable your firewall if you are on a public network or if you do not recognize the program asking you to do so.
Allow a single program through Windows Firewall instead of disabling it
Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security, then select Windows Defender Firewall. Click "Allow an app through firewall" on the left side. You will see a list of programs that Windows already knows about. Find the program you want to allow and check the box next to it — check both "Private" and "Public" if you want it to work on any network.
If the program is not on the list, click "Allow another app" at the bottom. A file browser will open. Navigate to the program's installation folder (usually in Program Files or Program Files (x86)), select the .exe file, and click Add. Once it is on the list, check the boxes next to it just as you would for a program already there.
After you add the program, close Settings and try using it. The program should now be able to connect. This method keeps your firewall active for everything else, so you stay protected from other unwanted connections.
Disable Windows Defender Firewall temporarily
If allowing the program through does not work, you can turn off the firewall itself. Open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and select Windows Defender Firewall. On the left, click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off." You will see two options: one for private networks and one for public networks. Uncheck "Turn on Windows Defender Firewall" under whichever applies to your situation.
Windows will ask you to confirm. Click Yes. The firewall is now off. Test your program to see if it works. As soon as it does, go back to the same screen and check the box to turn the firewall back on. Do not leave it off for longer than necessary.
If you forget to turn it back on, Windows will remind you after a few days, but do not rely on that. Set a phone reminder or write a note on your desk so you remember to re-enable it within a few hours.
Turn off the firewall on a Mac
Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Go to Network on the left side, then scroll down and click Firewall. You may need to click the lock icon at the bottom and enter your password to make changes. Click "Turn Off" to disable the firewall.
macOS will ask you to confirm. Click Turn Off again. Your firewall is now disabled. Test the program that was having trouble. Once it works, go back to the same screen, click the lock icon again if needed, and click "Turn On" to re-enable the firewall.
Like Windows, Mac will eventually remind you that the firewall is off, but do not count on it. Turn it back on as soon as you have finished testing the program.
Check your third-party firewall settings
If you installed a separate firewall program like ZoneAlarm, Comodo, or Norton, the steps are different from the built-in Windows or Mac firewall. Look for the program in your Applications folder (Mac) or Programs folder (Windows), or search for it by name in your Start menu. Open it and look for a section called "Firewall," "Rules," "Exceptions," or "Allow Programs."
Most third-party firewalls let you add programs to an exception list the same way Windows does — find the program, check a box, and save. If you cannot find that option, look for a "Disable" or "Turn Off" button, but use it only as a last resort. Check the program's help menu or website if you get stuck, because each one works differently.
After you allow the program or turn the firewall back on, close the firewall program and test again. Then close the firewall program entirely so it is not running in the background.
What to do if you cannot find the firewall setting
Some devices, especially older ones or those running specialized software, may not have an obvious firewall setting. Check your device's manual or support website first. If the device is on your home network and you control it, you might also check whether your router has a firewall that is blocking it — many home routers do.
If the device is a printer, camera, or other networked gadget, try restarting both the device and your computer. Sometimes a restart clears the connection problem without needing to touch the firewall at all. If that does not work, contact the device's manufacturer to ask whether they have a known firewall issue and what they recommend.
Protect yourself while the firewall is off
While your firewall is disabled, your device is more vulnerable to unwanted connections from the internet. Do not open email attachments, click links from unknown sources, or visit unfamiliar websites. If you must be online while the firewall is off, stay on sites and programs you trust.
Do not disable your firewall on a public network — only on your home network where you control what is connected. If you are at a coffee shop, library, or office and a program is not working, ask the network administrator whether they can help instead of turning off your firewall.
The moment the program works, turn the firewall back on. Set a phone alarm or timer if it helps you remember. Leaving the firewall off overnight or for days at a time puts your device at real risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling my firewall make my internet faster?
No. A firewall does not slow down your internet speed in any noticeable way. If your internet feels slow, the problem is somewhere else — your internet plan, your router, or the website or program you are using. Disabling the firewall will not fix it and will leave you unprotected.
Can I disable just the incoming firewall and leave outgoing on?
Most built-in firewalls do not let you split them that way. Windows Defender and Mac's firewall are all-or-nothing — either on or off. Some third-party firewalls have more detailed controls, but for most people, it is simpler to add the program to the exception list instead.
What if the program still does not work after I disable the firewall?
The firewall was not the problem. Turn it back on when ready. The issue is likely something else — the program may be outdated, your internet connection may be down, or the program's server may be offline. Check the program's website or contact its support team for help.
Is it safe to disable the firewall for gaming?
It is not necessary. Most modern games work fine with the firewall on. If a game is not connecting, add it to the firewall exception list instead. If you must disable the firewall, do it only while you are actively playing, and turn it back on as soon as you stop.
Will my firewall turn back on automatically after I restart my computer?
Yes. Both Windows and Mac automatically turn the firewall back on when you restart. However, do not rely on a restart to remember for you — turn it back on manually as soon as the program works, because you may not restart your computer for days.