Think of the Windows Firewall as your PC’s personal bouncer. It decides which apps and connections can enter or leave your system.

To access it:

  • Go to Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall, or
  • Type “Firewall” in the Start menu.

You can:

  • Allow or block apps through the firewall.
  • Create inbound/outbound rules for specific ports or programs (great for advanced users).
  • Restore defaults if you accidentally mess up settings.

💡 Pro Tip: Use “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” for full control — like managing custom network profiles for home, work, and public Wi-Fi.

Leaving your firewall disabled is like leaving your house unlocked — it may work for a while, but it’s never worth the risk.