Can’t Start Windows Firewall on Local Computer? Here’s How to Fix It

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Windows Firewall is an essential security feature in Windows operating systems, designed to protect your computer from unauthorized access and malicious activities. However, some users may encounter issues when trying to start Windows Firewall on their local computer. If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t worry – this article will guide you through the possible causes and provide step-by-step solutions to get Windows Firewall up and running.

Understanding Windows Firewall

Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how Windows Firewall works. Windows Firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer and blocks malicious programs from communicating with the internet.

Types of Windows Firewall

There are two types of Windows Firewall:

  • Windows Defender Firewall: This is the default firewall in Windows 10 and later versions. It provides advanced security features, including network traffic filtering and intrusion prevention.
  • Windows Firewall with Advanced Security: This is an advanced version of Windows Firewall, available in Windows 7, 8, and 10. It provides more granular control over firewall rules and settings.

Troubleshooting Windows Firewall Issues

If you’re unable to start Windows Firewall on your local computer, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Check Windows Firewall Service Status

The first step is to check the status of the Windows Firewall service. To do this:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services console, scroll down and find the Windows Defender Firewall service.
  4. Check the status of the service. If it’s not running, right-click on it and select Start.

Enable Windows Firewall

If the Windows Firewall service is running, but you’re still unable to start Windows Firewall, try enabling it manually. To do this:

  1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  3. Select the Turn on Windows Defender Firewall option for both private and public networks.
  4. Click OK to save changes.

Check for Conflicting Firewall Programs

Sometimes, third-party firewall programs can conflict with Windows Firewall and prevent it from starting. To resolve this issue:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
  2. Look for any third-party firewall programs installed on your computer.
  3. Uninstall the program and restart your computer.
  4. Try starting Windows Firewall again.

Reset Windows Firewall Settings

If none of the above steps work, try resetting Windows Firewall settings to their default values. To do this:

  1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click on Restore defaults.
  3. Click Yes to confirm.
  4. Restart your computer and try starting Windows Firewall again.

Run the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter

Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter for Windows Firewall issues. To run the troubleshooter:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Scroll down and find the Windows Defender Firewall troubleshooter.
  4. Click on it and follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter.

Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date, as outdated versions can cause issues with Windows Firewall. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click on Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Perform a System File Checker Scan

Corrupted system files can also cause issues with Windows Firewall. To perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.

Reinstall Windows Firewall

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall Windows Firewall. To do this:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type netsh advfirewall reset and press Enter.
  3. Restart your computer and try starting Windows Firewall again.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you may need to perform advanced troubleshooting steps.

Check Event Viewer Logs

Event Viewer logs can provide valuable information about Windows Firewall errors. To check Event Viewer logs:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type eventvwr and press Enter.
  3. In the Event Viewer console, navigate to Windows Logs > Application.
  4. Look for any error messages related to Windows Firewall.

Check for Malware Infections

Malware infections can cause issues with Windows Firewall. To check for malware infections:

  1. Run a full scan using your antivirus software.
  2. Use a malware removal tool, such as Malwarebytes, to scan for and remove any malware.

Check for Driver Updates

Outdated drivers can cause issues with Windows Firewall. To check for driver updates:

  1. Go to Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network Adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Follow the prompts to update the driver.

Conclusion

Windows Firewall is an essential security feature in Windows operating systems. If you’re unable to start Windows Firewall on your local computer, try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. From checking the Windows Firewall service status to reinstalling Windows Firewall, these steps should help you resolve the issue and get Windows Firewall up and running.

What are the common causes of the Windows Firewall not starting on a local computer?

The Windows Firewall not starting on a local computer can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, incorrect registry settings, malware infections, and conflicts with third-party firewall software. Additionally, issues with the Windows Firewall service itself, such as a stopped or disabled service, can also prevent it from starting. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem to apply the correct solution.

In some cases, the issue might be related to a specific Windows update or a recent software installation that has affected the Windows Firewall configuration. It’s also possible that the Windows Firewall has been intentionally disabled by the user or another program, leading to the error message. By understanding the possible causes, you can take the necessary steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

How do I check if the Windows Firewall service is running on my local computer?

To check if the Windows Firewall service is running on your local computer, you can use the Services console or the Task Manager. To access the Services console, press the Windows key + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter. In the Services console, scroll down to find the “Windows Defender Firewall” service and check its status. If the service is not running, you can try starting it manually by right-clicking on it and selecting “Start.”

Alternatively, you can use the Task Manager to check if the Windows Firewall service is running. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager, then click on the “Services” tab. Look for the “mpssvc” service, which is the Windows Firewall service, and check its status. If the service is not running, you can try restarting it or restarting your computer to see if it resolves the issue.

What is the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, and how does it relate to the Windows Firewall?

The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security is a more advanced version of the Windows Firewall that provides additional features and configuration options. It allows you to create custom inbound and outbound rules, configure IPsec settings, and monitor firewall activity. The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security is typically used in enterprise environments or by advanced users who require more control over their firewall settings.

The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security is closely related to the Windows Firewall, as it uses the same underlying technology and configuration settings. However, the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security provides more advanced features and options, making it a more powerful tool for managing firewall settings. If you’re experiencing issues with the Windows Firewall, you may need to configure settings in the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to resolve the problem.

How do I reset the Windows Firewall to its default settings?

To reset the Windows Firewall to its default settings, you can use the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console or the netsh command-line tool. To reset the Windows Firewall using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console, open the console, right-click on the “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” node, and select “Restore Default Policy.” This will reset the Windows Firewall to its default settings, including all inbound and outbound rules.

Alternatively, you can use the netsh command-line tool to reset the Windows Firewall to its default settings. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type “netsh advfirewall reset,” and press Enter. This will reset the Windows Firewall to its default settings, including all inbound and outbound rules. Note that resetting the Windows Firewall to its default settings will delete all custom rules and settings, so use this option with caution.

What are some common error messages related to the Windows Firewall not starting on a local computer?

Some common error messages related to the Windows Firewall not starting on a local computer include “Windows Firewall cannot be started,” “Windows Firewall is not running,” and “Error 5: Access is denied” when trying to start the Windows Firewall service. You may also see error messages related to specific Windows Firewall features, such as “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security is not running” or “The Windows Firewall service is not responding.”

These error messages can provide clues about the underlying cause of the problem, such as a permissions issue, a corrupted system file, or a conflict with another program. By analyzing the error message, you can take the necessary steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. In some cases, you may need to use additional tools or techniques, such as the Event Viewer or the System File Checker, to diagnose and fix the problem.

Can I use third-party firewall software to replace the Windows Firewall?

Yes, you can use third-party firewall software to replace the Windows Firewall. Many third-party firewall programs offer additional features and configuration options, such as enhanced intrusion detection, customizable rules, and improved performance. Some popular third-party firewall programs include Norton Firewall, McAfee Firewall, and ZoneAlarm.

However, before installing third-party firewall software, make sure to disable the Windows Firewall to avoid conflicts between the two programs. You can disable the Windows Firewall by going to the Control Panel, clicking on “System and Security,” and then clicking on “Windows Defender Firewall.” Click on the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” option and select the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” option. Once you’ve disabled the Windows Firewall, you can install and configure your third-party firewall software.

How do I troubleshoot Windows Firewall issues using the Event Viewer?

To troubleshoot Windows Firewall issues using the Event Viewer, open the Event Viewer console by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “eventvwr,” and pressing Enter. In the Event Viewer console, navigate to the “Windows Logs” section and click on the “Application” log. Look for events related to the Windows Firewall, such as errors or warnings, and analyze the event details to diagnose the issue.

You can also use the Event Viewer to monitor Windows Firewall activity, such as incoming and outgoing connections, and to detect potential security threats. By analyzing the event logs, you can identify patterns or anomalies that may indicate a problem with the Windows Firewall or a potential security threat. The Event Viewer provides a powerful tool for troubleshooting and monitoring Windows Firewall issues, and can help you resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

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