- Download and install the software.
- It will scan your computer for problems.
- The tool will then fix the issues that were found.
A blocked connection could mean that you are having trouble connecting to a particular WiFi network. This could be because of several reasons such as your firewall settings being too restrictive or it could even be due to the fact that the network itself is down. In either case, you might want to make sure that you are allowing all connections.
You should check if your firewall software is configured properly. Then select “Allow an application or feature through Windows Firewall”. If you find that the problem persists, then you might want to change the security level of the wireless network. Go to the same place where you changed the adapter settings and choose the option called “Change advanced options”. There, you’ll see a list of different security levels. Choose one that allows access to all devices.
Table of Contents:
What are firewalls and their importance?
A firewall is a type of network security device that prevents unauthorized access to your network and computers. Most home routers come preloaded with a built-in firewall. This is called a host-based firewall. Host-based firewalls work by inspecting packets being sent over the internet and blocking those that don’t meet certain criteria. For example, it might block traffic from known malicious sites like phishing sites, or allow traffic from trusted sites such as Facebook.
Another type of firewall is an application-level firewall. Application level firewalls inspect each packet individually and determine whether it should be allowed into the network. They do this by looking at the contents of the packet itself. If the packet contains data that matches a rule set, it is allowed to enter the network. Otherwise, it is blocked.
Application level firewalls are typically used by companies that run applications that require strict control over what information flows out of the network. These include web servers, mail servers, database servers, etc.
What to do when the windows firewall is blocking the connection?
If you are having issues connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, it might be because Windows Firewall is blocking the connection. This happens due to many reasons including incorrect firewall rules set up by the device manufacturer or third-party applications installed on the computer. In most cases, the problem lies within the Windows Firewall configuration itself. Here are some tips to troubleshoot the issue.
Run the windows firewall troubleshooter:
The Windows Firewall Troubleshooters scan your system and identify the firewall rules which are preventing access to the Internet. You can run this tool manually or schedule it to run automatically. If the tool detects no blocked connections, then there is nothing wrong with the firewall settings. However, if the tool finds blocked connections, follow the steps mentioned below to resolve the issue.
Check other software which could be causing problems with network connectivity:
Sometimes, even though the Windows Firewall is configured properly, there are certain programs running on the machine which are interfering with the network traffic. These programs include antivirus software, anti-spyware tools, and other security products. Therefore, it is important to check whether such programs are installed on the PC. If not, uninstall them and try again.
Change the windows firewall settings:
In case none of the above methods work, change the Windows Firewall settings to allow the specific application or protocol to connect to the internet. Then, under Advanced Options, select Allow an App Or Feature Through Windows Firewall, and add the port numbers. Click OK to save changes.
Updated: February 2025
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
- Step 1 : Install the PC Repair and Optimizer Tool. (Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista).
- Step 2 : Click Start Scan to determine what problems you are experiencing with your computer.
- Step 3 : Click Repair Allto resolve all problems.
Why is the firewall blocking my internet connection?
A firewall blocks all inbound or outbound connections. This prevents unauthorized access to your computer, and it protects you against malware or viruses. If your firewall is blocking internet traffic, contact your ISP immediately.
Your ISP should provide instructions for configuring your router or modem. Many routers come with default configurations that block incoming and outgoing connections. To change those settings, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
If you don’t know what port number to use, ask your ISP. They should be able to help you find the information online.
Run the troubleshooter
- Open the Control Panel and go to the System section.
- Press Windows + I to open up the Settings menu.
- Select Update & Security.
- Scroll down to find the TroubleShooting options.
- Click on the Troubleshooters button.
- Locate the Internet Connections Tab.
- Select the option and click on run the troubleshooter.
- Wait and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
- Go back to step four and repeat steps five through eight.
- Download the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
- Save the file to a safe location before you download it.
- Navigate to the WindowsFirewallextras folder and double-click on it.
- Double click on it to install the software.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and fix the issue.
Remove the network adapter
In order to uninstall an adapter, we must find it in Windows Device Manager. We must select the network adaptor that we want to remove and press Uninstall button. After uninstalling the adaptor, we must reboot our computer.
Reboot the network
If you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet, it could be because of something wrong with your network card. There are several possible causes, including a faulty network cable, a damaged NIC port, or a malfunctioning router. If none of those things apply, here’s how to reset your network card.
- To do this, open up Device Manager, locate the device corresponding to your network card, and double-click on it.
- Then select “Uninstall.” You’ll see a list of drivers associated with your network card.
- Click the button next to each one to install or uninstall it.
- Once you’ve done that, restart your computer.
Reset the windows firewall setting
Windows 10 includes a built-in firewall called Windows Defender Firewall. This tool helps protect you against malware and viruses while providing some basic security features like blocking popups and phishing emails. However, it does not provide full protection. There are several things that could prevent you from accessing certain apps and sites. For example, if you’re trying to access a file-sharing site, but the firewall blocks it, you won’t be able to do anything. You’ll just see a blank screen.
If you want to reset the Windows Firewall to its original state, follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click System and Security.
- Click Change Advanced system settings.
- In the left pane, select Network & Internet.
- Under “Firewall”, click Turn Windows Firewall On/Off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I having trouble connecting to the internet?
Firewalls are supposed to protect us against threats, but sometimes they block our connection to the internet even though there isn't anything wrong. We've seen this happen several times over the course of testing different types of firewalls, and others. Some firewalls did this because they couldn't recognize certain protocols used by devices such as printers, while others simply didn't allow any traffic from outside their network.
How can I get past the firewall when it’s blocking my connection?
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, you should check whether the problem lies within your network setup or with your computer itself. You can use the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter or the Windows System Diagnostics Troubleshooter to identify what is causing the issue.
How do get rid of the 'security or firewall settings might be blocking the connection' issue?
The Windows Firewall is essential because it protects the computer from malware infections and cyber attacks. If you don't install any program on your PC, there won't be any reason for the Windows Firewall to block the connection. But, if you do want to use certain apps, you must enable the firewall. Otherwise, you'll face problems while connecting to the Internet.
You may wonder how to fix this issue. Let's see what to do when Windows Firewall is blocking the connection.
- Open Control Panel
- Select "Turn Off Windows Firewall On All Network Interfaces".
- Restart your computer.