How to Block a Program in Windows Firewall (Step-by-Step Guide)

Blocking a program in the Windows Firewall helps control which applications can access the internet or your network. This is useful for restricting potentially unsafe software or managing bandwidth usage. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open Windows Defender Firewall

You can access Windows Firewall using several methods:

• Control Panel: Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
• Search Bar: Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start Menu search box.
• Settings App: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
• Run Command: Press Windows + R, type control firewall.cpl, and hit Enter.

Tip:

Make sure you're logged in as an Administrator to make changes.

Step 2: Open Advanced Firewall Settings

Once the Firewall window opens:

• On the left-hand side, click on “Advanced settings”.
• This launches the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security panel.
• Here, you can create inbound and outbound rules that control how programs communicate across the network.
• This interface is where you’ll define what is allowed and what’s blocked.

Step 3: Go to Outbound Rules

In the left pane of the Advanced Security window, click on “Outbound Rules”.

• This section controls outgoing traffic initiated by your PC.
• You’ll see a list of existing rules. You’ll now add a new one.

Step 4: Create a New Outbound Rule

In the Actions pane on the right, click on “New Rule…”.

• The New Outbound Rule Wizard will appear.
• Select “Program” as the rule type, then click Next.

Step 5: Select the Program to Block

• Choose “This program path:” and click Browse.
• Locate and select the .exe (executable) file of the program you wish to block.
• Click Next once you've selected the program.

Tip:

You can typically find installed programs in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).

Step 6: Choose the Action

On the next screen, select “Block the connection”.

• Click Next.
• This ensures that Windows Firewall will deny any network access requests from the selected program.

Step 7: Apply Rule to Profiles

You’ll be asked when this rule should apply. Check all boxes for:

• Domain: When you're on a company network.
• Private: For home or trusted networks.
• Public: For public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks.
• Click Next to continue.

Step 8: Name Your Rule

• Give your rule a descriptive name like “Block Chrome Internet Access”.
• Optionally, add a description.
• Click Finish to complete the rule setup.

The program will now be blocked from initiating any outgoing connections.

To Confirm or Modify the Rule

• Go back to Outbound Rules.
• Look for your new rule in the list.
• You can right-click it to Disable, Enable, or Delete it.

Temporarily Block a Program Using Windows Firewall

If you're testing or troubleshooting, a temporary block might be sufficient:

• Open Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” (left panel).
• Click Change settings (admin rights required).
• If the app isn’t listed, click Allow another app, then Browse to select the app.
• Find the program and click Add.
• Uncheck the box next to the app name to block it.
• Click OK.

To allow it again, simply re-check the box.