Windows Firewall: Block Access to the Internet, Inbound and Outbound Traffic
In this article, we will explore how to block inbound and outbound traffic for an application with the help of Windows Firewall. This method of blocking access is the easiest and the most flexible at the same time.
Why would you need it? Blocking inbound traffic allows to disable unwanted software updates and annoying advertising or save your precious megabytes. Blocking outbound traffic can prevent leaks of confidential information. Blocking is also good if you want to secure your child from watching unwanted content or spending too much time playing online games.
We will have a look at how firewall works in Windows 10, but this method will also work in Windows 8 or 7.
Create a Widows Firewall rule
To begin with, you should start the firewall extended interface. To do it, go to Control Panel, switch to large icons mode, and click on Windows Defender Firewall.
The firewall extended interface (which you can access by clicking on Advanced settings link on the left) has a lot of settings. Make all changes very attentively, and do exactly what this tutorial tells you. If you set certain things wrong, it will result in lots of problems in the work of your computer.
In the left navigation pane, select Outbound Rules. The system will show all rules created before – and don’t be surprised to see dozens of entries created by Windows.
In the right pane, click New Rule….
By default, you are suggested to create a rule for a program, so confirm your choice by clicking Next.
The next step is to show the path to the executable file of the program to block it.
With the example of Opera browser, we’ll see how Internet connection can be blocked. You can either enter the path to the .exe file manually or use the Browse button.
If you choose the second option, the system will automatically replace a part of the path by the environment variable.
In our case, the file address is:
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Programs\Opera
An important note: For a number of reasons, environment variables may be determined incorrectly by the system. If you see that a blocking rule doesn’t work properly, edit the rule by pasting the full path to the file into the input field.
Another important note: In most cases, blocking the executable file of a program is enough to restrict its Internet access. However, this approach may not work with online games. For example, if you want to block access to Minecraft game servers, you should block the corresponding Java application (executable file Javaw.exe), as the game connects to the Internet via Java.
Confirm the choice of file by clicking Next.
At the next stage, confirm the choice Block the connection by clicking Next.
Your next step is to choose when the rule should apply (by default, all elements are checked). They determine if the rule applies depending whether the computer is connected to a network which you define as public or private.
An important note: If you choose Private and uncheck Public, it means that the program will have access to resources of the local network, but it will not have access to the Internet.
Let’s suppose you use a laptop at home (in a network you define as private), at work (in a domain network) and at a cafe (in a network you define as public). If you want the rule to apply at the cafe, at work and at home, select all the three options. If you want it to apply only in one of the three cases, select the corresponding option.
If you have doubts, just leave all blocking options enabled by default. Confirm the choice by clicking Next.
The last step is to give this rule a name. Think about a name that makes sense so that you will be able to find it easily later. At this point, you can also describe this rule so you will be able to remember why you created it - after some time. Windows creates a lot of firewall rules automatically, and all of them have quite fancy names.
To make your rule stand out, name it Blocking Opera Browser. Close the wizard by clicking Finish.
Now there is a new item on the outbound rules list. You can double-click on it to edit it. For example, you can specify the users for whom this rule will apply or not, or decide that only a certain protocol should be blocked - TCP, or other.
Test the block effectiveness
Blocking will start as soon as you create the rule so you don’t have to log off or restart. Start Opera and go to the website https://www.google.com, to make sure the connection is blocked.
If you need to disable the blocking, you will have to return to Windows Firewall advanced settings, left-click on the rule to select it and then disable or delete it. Use the corresponding items in the right pane of the Firewall to do it.
Now all is clear, many thanks for the information.
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Thank you for sharing this beneficial post. I'm looking forward to the next one.
i want to block gameloop emulator on my pc so witch .exe file should i block? please let me know and thanks for your article
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I have a question regarding inbound rules, despite adding blocking inbound traffic rule in the inbound rules, why is my computer still accepting traffic from the website and showing it in browser?
How do you know if an application is currently blocked by the Windows Firewall?
If an application is blocked by the Windows Firewall, it will be listed in the Windows Firewall log. To view the log, open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in, and then select Logging from the left pane. The log will show all blocked applications.
What is the difference between inbound and outbound rules in the Windows Firewall?
Inbound rules are used to control incoming connections to a computer or network, while outbound rules are used to control outgoing connections from a computer or network. Inbound rules allow or deny traffic based on the source of the traffic, while outbound rules allow or deny traffic based on the destination of the traffic. Inbound rules are used to protect a computer from malicious or unauthorized access, while outbound rules are used to control the flow of data from the computer or network.
Can you block an application's access to the internet using a third-party firewall software?
Yes, you can use a third-party firewall software to block an application's access to the internet. Firewall software allows you to control which applications can access the internet and which ones cannot.
How do you create a rule in the Windows Firewall to block outgoing traffic for an application?
Is it possible to temporarily allow an application access to the internet without changing the Windows Firewall settings permanently?
Yes, it is possible to temporarily allow an application access to the internet without changing the Windows Firewall settings permanently. This can be done by creating a new rule in the Windows Firewall settings to allow the application access to the internet. The rule can be configured to be active only for a certain amount of time. Once the time limit has expired, the rule will be automatically removed and the application will no longer have access to the internet.
If you have any questions on how to use Windows Firewall to block Internet access for an application, leave a comment to ask one.
I would like to block both In/out bound internet traffic on our servers with few exceptions like windows update, windows defender ATP reporting, how can I achieve that