What happens if my firewall is off

This includes not just expected traffic, but also malicious data -- thereby putting the network at risk. If a software firewall is disabled, it's not just the associated computer that's in harm's way; worms -- a type of malware -- for example, can spread across a network connection, infecting all of the PCs attached to the LAN.

Disabling a hardware firewall also impacts all of the devices that connect to the network. Since firewalls control incoming and outgoing connections, problems can occur when attempting to use certain applications or services that require Internet access.

To enable these programs to use the Internet, you can open the appropriate ports in the firewall without turning off the firewall altogether.

Some programs use a pre-defined port or range of ports, while others allow users to manually configure which port or ports the software utilizes. Opening the firewall does potentially allow malicious traffic to enter through the applicable port, but businesses can use nonstandard ports, when possible, to reduce the risk of attack. Sometimes, to perform certain administrative tasks -- like applying software updates or installing new programs -- the software firewall must be disabled.

When possible, administrators should disconnect a computer from the Internet before disabling the firewall to eliminate the risk of attack. Any more feedback? The more you tell us the more we can help.

Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn't match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Tim Fisher.

VP and General Manager, Lifewire. Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn. Updated on November 11, Tweet Share Email. To disable the firewall for private and public networks, select Turn off Windows Firewall not recommended in both sections.

If you're in the "Classic View" of Control Panel, just skip down to the next step. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error.

Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Tell us why! More from Lifewire. How to Change Windows Update Settings. How to Find and Use the Windows 11 Firewall. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Lifewire. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.