This wikiHow teaches you how to disable your computer's firewall. Keep in mind that doing so will put your computer at a higher risk of becoming infected with malware.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Windows 7 to 10
Step 1. Open the Start menu
To open it, you can click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key on your computer keyboard.
Step 2. Type firewall in Start
Since Windows opens by default with the cursor in the search bar, when you type this it will search your computer for the firewall program.
Step 3. Click Windows Firewall
It has the image of a brick wall with a globe behind it. This option will appear at the top of the Start menu search window.
Step 4. Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off
This link is on the left side of the page.
Step 5. Check the option "Disable Windows Firewall (not recommended)"
You can do this for both the "Private" and "Public" network settings category.
- You may have to first confirm that you want to perform this action by clicking To accept or Yes in a pop-up window.
Step 6. Click OK
It's at the bottom of the page. Once you do, your computer's firewall will be disabled.
Method 2 of 4: Windows Vista
Step 1. Open the Start menu
To open it, you can click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.
Step 2. Click Control Panel
You will probably find this option on the right side of the Start window, although you may have to click first All the programs.
Step 3. Click Security
This option looks like a multi-colored shield. It's on the left side of the window.
Step 4. Click Windows Firewall
It's in the upper-left corner of the page.
Step 5. Click the "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" link
You will find it in the upper left corner of the page.
You may be asked to enter the administrator password here
Step 6. Click the "Disable (not recommended)" box
It's near the bottom of the page.
Step 7. Click OK
Once you do, the firewall on your Windows Vista computer will be disabled.
Method 3 of 4: Windows XP
Step 1. Click Start
It's in the lower-left corner of the screen. Doing so will open the Start menu.
- You may have to move your mouse cursor over that same corner first for the button to appear.
- You can also press the ⊞ Win key on your computer to open the Start menu.
Step 2. Click Run
This option is on the right side of the Start pop-up window.
Step 3. Type firewall.cpl in the "Run" text field
This command is used to directly open the firewall settings.
Step 4. Click OK
Doing so will run the above command and open the firewall settings.
Step 5. Click the "Disable (not recommended)" box
It's near the bottom of the page.
- If you can't find this option, first click on the tab general at the top of the page.
Step 6. Click OK
Doing so will save your changes and disable your computer's firewall.
Method 4 of 4: Mac OS
Step 1. Open the Apple menu
It's the apple-shaped icon in the upper-left corner of your Mac screen.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
You'll find this option near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click Security
This option is in the top row of icons in the "System Preferences" window.
- In older versions of Mac OS, this option is called Security and privacy.
Step 4. Click Firewall
It's one of the tabs at the top of the "Security" window.
Step 5. Click on the lock icon
This icon is in the lower left corner of the window.
Step 6. Enter your administrator password
Once you do, you can make changes to this menu.
Step 7. Click Disable Firewall
This button is in the middle of the page.
- If it says here Enable Firewall, it means that your Mac's firewall is already disabled.
Step 8. Click the lock icon again
Doing so will save your changes and password protect them.
Advice
- Disable the firewall only if you are going to do something and this barrier prevents you from doing it, such as sharing files from your computer. Once you finish that task, turn on the firewall again so that your computer remains protected.
- If you disabled the firewall, but are still having trouble sharing files or getting a certain program to work, you may need to disable your antivirus software as well, as these programs often come with their own firewall. Doing so can be dangerous, as you won't have the firewall protection either.
- Use an antivirus program to scan your computer at least once a week if you regularly disable the firewall. Your computer is at greater risk of being infected with viruses if it does not have an active firewall. Therefore, it is better that you use your antivirus program frequently to eliminate the threats that may have infiltrated your computer.