How do I check my firewall status?

Learn to configure your Firewall settings using our guide

by Tashreef Shareef

Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from... read more

Updated on September 27, 2022

Reviewed by Vlad Turiceanu

How do I check my firewall status?

Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more

  • If you're wondering how you can check if a website is blocked by your Firewall, then you should check the firewall settings.
  • The Windows Firewall settings will give you show you any port that is blocked on your PC.
  • Easily fix any problem caused by your Firewall blocking the Internet with the solutions below.
  • The Windows Firewall also allows you to select which programs can run on your computer.

How do I check my firewall status?

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The Windows Firewall is a built-in security application that comes with Windows OS since the beginning. The software is built to filter network data transmission to and from your Windows system.

The Firewall will block any suspicious and harmful connection depending on the threat level.

The users can configure the Windows Firewall settings as per their need to block or open ports in Windows 10 and other versions. However, at times the Firewall may block ports or programs accidentally by user’s or administrator’s misconfiguration.

Now, if you want to know if the Windows Firewall is blocking a port or program on your system, you need to check your settings. Here’s how to check firewall settings.

Why is Windows Firewall not allowing ports to access the Internet?

If this issue occurs, it’s possible that the port is blocked, but luckily, there’s a way to open firewall ports in Windows, and it’s easier than you think.

In some instances, your configuration might not be correct, causing the Windows Firewall rule to block a connection.

A few users reported that Windows Firewall is disabled, but it’s still blocking apps, and this is likely caused by your policy settings, so you’ll need to adjust them.

How do I check if the Firewall is blocking a port?

1. Check your Firewall Settings

The best way to check whether your Windows Firewall is blocking a port is to check your Firewall Settings. This can be done via your PC’s built-in Settings in just a few clicks.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type control and press OK to open Control Panel.

3. Click on System and Security.

4. Scroll down and open Administrative Tools.

How do I check my firewall status?

5. In the Administrative Tools window, open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

6. Click on Actions and select Properties.

How do I check my firewall status?

7. Now select your preferred Profile (Domain, Private, Public).

8. In the Logging section, click on the Customize button.

How do I check my firewall status?

9. Click on the drop-down menu for Log dropped packets: and select Yes.

10. Take note of the pfirewall.log path in the Name section.

11. Click OK to save the changes.

How do I check my firewall status?

12. Open File Explorer and go to the path where the log file is saved. It should look something like this:%systemroot%system32LogFilesFirewall

13. Click on the pfirewall.log file and check for any blocked ports.


2. Check for Blocked Ports using Command Prompt

  1. Type cmd in the search bar.
  2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
    How do I check my firewall status?
  3. In the command prompt, type the following command and hit enter.
    • netsh firewall show state
  4. This will display all the blocked and active ports configured in the firewall.
Read more about this topic

  • How to configure Windows Firewall to allow IP ranges [FULL GUIDE]
  • Was your VPN blocked by Windows Firewall? How to fix it
  • Allow Chrome to Access the Network in Your Firewall/Antivirus

How to check if Windows Firewall is blocking a program?

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and press OK to open Control Panel.
  3. Click on System and Security.
  4. Click on Windows Defender Firewall. 
  5. From the left pane Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
    How do I check my firewall status?
  6. In the allowed app window, scroll through all the apps.
  7. Locate the app you want to check and see if the app is checked.
    • If it is unchecked, the app is blocked on the Firewall.
  8. If your program is blocked, simply uncheck the app and click OK.

In the Customize Settings window, click the circle(s) next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for public networks, private networks, or both.


That’s about it for this article on how to check if the Firewall is blocking a port or a program. Make sure you follow the solutions thoroughly and see what works for you. Also, feel free to send us any feedback regarding the subject in the comment section below.

How do I check my firewall status?

Newsletter

How to check if firewall is enabled?

Open the Control Panel in Windows. Click on System and Security. Click on Windows Firewall. If your firewall is disabled, you'll see Windows Firewall marked “Off.” To turn it on, in the left navigation pane, you can click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

Where is the firewall located?

Network firewalls are located at the network's front line, serving as a communications link between internal and external networks.