Can’t Turn on Windows Firewall – How To Fix?

In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital threats loom around every corner, a robust firewall is the first line of defense for your Windows operating system. It serves as a protective barrier against malicious intrusions, ensuring your personal data and sensitive information remain safe. However, what happens when this vital security feature itself encounters issues? “Can’t Turn on Windows Firewall – How To Fix?” is a common predicament faced by Windows users. 

In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this problem and explore effective solutions to restore the functionality of your Windows Firewall.

Can’t Turn on Windows Firewall – How To Fix?

It is a common problem for users who are still using Windows 10 on their system. To ensure that the Windows Firewall can be turned on and run, you’ll simply need to follow the methods and steps below in order to get access to your firewall. 

Make sure that the Windows Firewall Services are running

To do that, you’ll have to go through the services on your computer and make sure that the firewall services are running. To look at the services, follow the steps below:

1. Press Win+R, type services.msc, and hit enter to open up the Service Window. 
2. Scroll down and find the services that start with Windows Defender such as
   • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service
   • Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service
   • Windows Defender Antivirus Service
   • Windows Defender Firewall
   • Windows Defender Security Center
3. Make sure that the Startup type is Automatic for the Windows Defender Services. 
4. If you find everything is okay, just restart your PC and check if the issue persists. 

Restarting the Firewall Services

To do that, follow the steps below: 

1. Click on the Start icon and search for the services app.
2. Next, look for the Windows Defender Firewall Services. 
3. Right-click on the service and click on the Restart option.
4. After a few seconds of restarting, click on the Windows Firewall and click on the Properties option.
5. Set the Startup Type as Automatic and click on OK. 

Running the MS Windows Troubleshooter

To diagnose the problem with Troubleshooter, just follow the steps below: 

1. First, download the Microsoft Easy Fix troubleshooter. 
2. Open the downloaded file and click on the Next button. 
3. Once the troubleshooting appears, choose the options that will fix the problem and click on it. 
4. This will then automatically repair the problem and you’ll be given the result. 
5. If you notice everything is fine when the troubleshooting completes, just close the window. 

Performing the Registry Fix

To fix the registry, just follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Start button, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Open the Registry Editor and continue on the path as follows:

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesBFE

3. Right-click on BFE and select the Permissions option. 
4. Click on the Add button, type Everyone in the box, and click on OK.
5. Under the Group or User Names section, select the Everyone option. 
6. If the box beside the Full Control option is checked under the Permissions sections, then Click on OK.
7. Finally, close the windows and restart the computer. 

Check if the issue still persists.

Resetting the Windows Firewall Settings to Default mode

To do this method, you’ll need to follow the steps carefully below: 

1. From the Start button, search the Control Panel and open it. 
2. Head to the System and Security option. 
3. Now, select the Windows Defender Firewall option and click on the Restore Default option on the left panel. 
4. Click on the Restore Defaults button again and click on Yes to confirm. 

These are all the methods through which you can fix the Windows Firewall to turn on.

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Conclusion 

In a technology-driven era, where cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, the Windows Firewall stands as a sentinel guarding your digital fortress. It’s imperative that any issue preventing it from functioning correctly is swiftly addressed. In this article, we’ve walked you through the common reasons behind this problem and provided step-by-step solutions to help you fix it. Regularly updating your operating system, installing reputable antivirus software, and ensuring that your firewall is functioning correctly are all part of maintaining a secure digital environment.