In Windows 10, you can block an application with Windows security. This is done through the “Firewall and Network” option in the preferences. The same operation can be done from the control panel.

In the 2004 and 20H2 versions, this option is still available. However, we are not sure if the control panel will be present in future versions or not. Since Microsoft is trying to get users to use the settings more, it is preferable to use this feature.

Internet bandwidth is still expensive in some countries. So if you leave applications running in the background when you are connected to the Internet, they take up valuable memory for notifications and other tasks.

While some are necessary, they are not for everyone. In addition, you can block access to the Internet for certain browsers for privacy and security reasons. This can happen when a malicious program or script tries to run on your browser.

In this guide, we will see how to block a program or application in Windows 10 with firewall rules.

Opening the firewall on Windows 10

  1. Press Win + I simultaneously to open the settings.
  2. Click Update and Security > Windows Security.
  3. In the latest version of Windows 10, click the “Open Windows Security” button.
  4. This will open a new window.
  5. Click on the “Firewall and Network Security” button.
  6. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png

All Windows Firewall features are available here.

To see all applications on Windows 10

  1. Open the “Settings” window and go to the home page.
  2. Press the Apps > Apps and Features button.
  3. On the right side you will see all the applications installed on your system.

https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285027_184_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png

Some default applications are installed when Windows 10 is installed, while others are installed by the administrator or user.

Blocking a program with the Windows 10 firewall

Method 1 is to use the “Allow application through firewall” feature.

  1. The above option is available on the Firewall and Network Security page on the right.
  2. Click on it.
  3. The list of authorized requests opens.
  4. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285028_800_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  5. There is a check mark next to the allowed applications that communicate through the Windows Defender firewall.
  6. Allowed applications and functions are highlighted in the list.
  7. Press the Change Settings button to lock the application or program.
  8. For example, “FileZilla FTP Client” has a checkbox for the “Personal” profile.
  9. If your network is in the “Personal” profile, it will be allowed and blocked in the “Public” profile.
  10. To block this program, remove the checkmark from the box next to it.
  11. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285029_174_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png

This should prevent the application from connecting to the Internet. In this case, the application is still being updated. I also tried to connect to the server with this FTP client and it worked fine. This means that this method did not work for this particular application.

If this does not work, follow the second method.

Method 2 – Use of rules for inbound and outbound traffic

  1. On the Firewall and Network Security page, under Windows Security, click the Advanced Settings button.
  2. “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” opens in the background.
  3. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285030_446_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  4. Be sure to check the background, as it will not open in the foreground.
  5. To block the request, click the “New Rule” button in the “Outgoing Rules” section.
  6. The New Output Line Wizard window opens.
  7. Select the rule type as “Program” or “Port”, “Preset” or “Custom”.
  8. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285031_397_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  9. If this is the program, click “Next”.
  10. In the next window, select the path to the program.
  11. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285032_942_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  12. Click Next.
  13. Select the “Block connection” option and click “Next”.
  14. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285033_607_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  15. Select Domain, Private, Public to lock all networks.
  16. https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285035_309_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png
  17. Alternatively, you can select the appropriate profile network.
  18. Click Next.
  19. Give the rule a name and a description.

That’s because your application or program is locked.

Testing a blocking rule

I have tested the above two methods on several applications on my Windows 10 computer. Messaging and calendaring applications, Firefox, PicPick, to name a few.

I blocked the Mail application both ways. I then tried to send a test message from the Chrome browser to the email account added in the Mail application. I expected the Mail application to not connect to the Internet or receive mail. However, for me, the Mail application allowed me to send and receive mail without any problem.

In the following case, I tried to block the FireFox browser. The Internet connection was successfully interrupted.

https://eyexcon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1613285036_800_How-to-Block-App-with-FireWall-in-Windows-10.png

The other third-party application, PicPick, had an option to share. When I locked that application, I expected that I would not be able to share an image with cloud services or email. But it managed to open the Outlook program to send the attached image.

Therefore, the above methods will work for some and not for others. The best way to block an application embedded in Windows 10 is to remove it completely, as mentioned in the Microsoft forums. The best thing you can do is block notifications for applications like Mail and Calendar.

Frequently asked questions

How do I block an application in the Windows 10 firewall?

Windows 10: Allowing/blocking applications in the firewall – Technology

How can I disable the application in the firewall?

Windows 8.1 Storage Security and Reliability | Microsoft Press Store

How can I block a program with the Windows Firewall?

Blocking a program with Windows Firewall in Windows 10

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