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Fix: Unable to Activate Windows Defender Windows 10 Firewall
Can’t turn on Windows Firewall? Check out these fixes to resolve it
8 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
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Users complained that Windows could not start the Windows Defender Firewall service on the local computer.
SinceWindows Firewallis a handy feature, especially if you don’t have any third-party antivirus software installed, this could be a severe problem.
So, we came up with a few solutions to help you solve the problem withWindows 10andWindows 11Firewall.
Here are some more error codes and messages you may encounter on the way:
Why is my Windows Firewall not turning on?
Windows Firewall that scans your PC and protects it from network-based threats. It scans or checks the files you download over the internet, so you aren’t downloading a virus or malware-infested file.
After some research, we have prepared a list of why you cannot turn on the Windows Firewall on your Windows 10/11 PC.
Windows Defender is popularly known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, often WindowsHowever, under Firewall is also known as Windows Defender. So, there is a bit of confusion here. Let us sort that out.
One of the simplest ways to understand the difference between Microsoft Defender and Windows Defender Firewall is thatMicrosoft Defender Antivirusis a malware scanner. In contrast, theWindows Defender Firewallis the network firewall.
Windows Defender Firewall permits or denies access programs on a computer from accessing the network or internet. At the same time, the Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans your PC for malware.
Now, if you are looking for the difference between Windows Defender and Windows Defender Firewall, there is no difference between the two. Windows Defender is the short form of Windows Defender Firewall.
Quick Tip:
If your Windows 10 Firewall doesn’t work, use third-party antivirus software, and your computer will automatically switch to the antivirus firewall.
However, we strongly recommend you the solution below as the world’s best antivirus on the market right now. It has a lot of valuable features and protection tools.
ESET HOME Security Essential
There are several reasons behind it, but the primary factor you will have to verify is whether the connected hardware supports higher speeds. Because if any of the components responsible for the connection have a lower capability, the speed would be stuck at 100 Mbps or lower.
Usually, it’s the Cat5 cable to be blamed, and if it’s used for the LAN connection, you can only achieve a maximum of 100 Mbps. In that case, the best option would be to upgrade to Cat5e, Cat6, or later Ethernet cables.
How do I fix slow LAN speed on Windows 10?
1. Restart the Firewall service
If the Windows Firewall is not turning on, the first thing we’re going to try is to restart the Firewall service.
Probably, something disrupted the service, but restarting Windows Firewall will likely bring it back to normal.
To restart the Windows Firewall service, perform the previous steps. If restarting the Firewall service didn’t get the job done, we have a couple more solutions.
2. Perform a Registry tweak
Microsoft is aware that users occasionally experience problems with Windows Firewall, so it provided a solution to this problem.
We wouldn’t have any info if this solution helped someone to solve the problem with Windows Firewall in Windows 10.
But it’s an official solution, provided by Microsoft, and not some basic steps from famous Engineers from Microsoft Community forums.
If you can’t access the Registry Editor, check out thisstep-by-step guideon how to solve this problem quickly.
3. Run the dedicated downloadable troubleshooter
Even though this problem emerged recently for Windows 10 users, it also plagued users for years on former Windows iterations.
For that purpose, the Microsoft folks offered a unified downloadable troubleshooter to avoid in-depth troubleshooting for ordinary users.
This tool worked well on Vista andWindows 7, so we can also expect positive results in Windows 10.
4. Reset the Firewall settings
Constant updates that are the typical workflow for Windows 10 have a lot of side effects. One of those allegedly forced changes of specific system settings concerning essential built-in programs.
Windows Firewall certainly falls in that category. To resolve possible issues with an alternative configuration imposed byWindows Update, you should reset Firewall settings.
Follow these instructions above to reset Windows Firewall settings and address the issue.
If you get an error while managing the Windows Firewall settings, check out thisexpert guideto fix it like a pro.
5. Use Command Prompt to reset Windows Firewall
Alternatively, you can use the elevated Command Prompt to reset Windows Firewall to default values. It seems like a drag but is relatively simple and requires minimal effort.
This is similar to a previous solution, but it will cost you nothing to give it a try if the standard way isn’t showing favorable results.
6. Uninstall recent security-related updates
Most of the Windows 10 updates are security-oriented patches. Many of those cover Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.
And we’re well aware that many of those patches bring more issues than benefits. That could, consequently, mean that one of the recent updates negatively affected Firewall, rendering it unusable.
Luckily, even though you’ll have a hard time disabling Windows Updates for good, you can at least uninstall most of them and resolve issues that way.
Follow the steps above to uninstall the recent updates and fix possible issues they inflicted on Windows Firewall.
What can I do if Windows 11 Firewall is not working?
Here are some quick fixes from the ones mentioned above to fix the Windows Firewall not working on Windows 11.
How do I force a Windows Firewall?
That would be all; we hope this article helped you to solve the problem with Firewall in Windows 10 (or convinced you to switch to third-party software).
If you’re unsure about the choice above, you can also look at ourunlimited license validity antiviruseslist and choose the proper tool.
Should you have any comments or questions, reach for the comment section below, and we’ll check them immediately.
More about the topics:firewall,Microsoft Windows Defender
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
