Enhance Your Security with Windows Firewall Control
Windows Firewall Control is a valuable application designed to enhance and simplify the management of the Windows Firewall. By residing in the system tray, it allows users to access common firewall settings quickly, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple menus. This tool is compatible with various Windows versions including 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and several Server editions such as 2022, 2019, 2016, and 2012.
Acquisition by Malwarebytes
In June 2018, Malwarebytes announced the acquisition of Windows Firewall Control. This strategic purchase enables smooth integration into the Malwarebytes ecosystem, enhancing the management and deployment processes of security solutions. Post-acquisition, the full-featured edition of Windows Firewall Control is now available for free, with all notifications and features accessible without the need for activation.
Key Features of Windows Firewall Control
The application features four distinct filtering modes, which users can switch between effortlessly with a single click:
- High Filtering: Blocks all outgoing connections entirely.
- Medium Filtering: Allows outgoing connections only if they match predefined rules.
- Low Filtering: Permits outgoing connections that do not match rules, but allows users to specify exceptions.
- No Filtering: Turns off the Windows Firewall; it’s advised to use this setting only if an alternative firewall is in place.
Comprehensive Program Features
- User-friendly interface conveniently located in the system tray next to the clock.
- Full compatibility with standard user accounts, requiring elevated privileges only during installation.
- Capability to prevent other applications from creating Firewall rules.
- Easier methods for generating new Windows Firewall rules.
- Lock feature to secure program and Windows Firewall settings.
- Integration with the context menu to offer quick access for executable files.
- Quick deletion of invalid rules with a simple interface.
- Merging of similar rules or duplicating existing ones for convenience.
- Fast search for executable files within folders to establish new rules swiftly.
- Access to recent logs of allowed and blocked connections to generate new rules seamlessly.
- Option for the program to launch automatically at user login.
- Ability to import, export, and restore firewall rules easily.
- Protection against unauthorized uninstallation of the software.
- Restoration of settings upon uninstallation to maintain user configurations.
- Support for global hotkeys and various shortcut options.
Specific Features for Enhanced Management
- Notifications System: Alerts users when outbound connections are blocked, configurable across four modes:
- High: Alerts for all blocked outgoing connections, including system processes.
- Medium: Notifications for typical applications, excluding system processes.
- Low: Automatically allows known signed programs while reporting only unsigned ones.
- Disabled: Turns off notifications entirely.
- Creation of temporary rules that expire automatically or reset with the program.
Latest Updates (Version 6.13.0.0)
- Enhanced rule modification even for invalid paths, allowing edits to previously flagged rules.
- Fixed issues where update checks may inaccurately state the latest version is current.
- Resolved permissions allowing standard accounts to include notification exceptions in restricted mode.
- Improved scrolling functionality through authorized groups in restricted mode.
- Addressed memory leaks in the notifications system, ensuring smoother performance with new connections.
- Corrected memory leaks tied to rule addition within secure logic.
- Rectified memory leak during the loading of connection logs.
Download and Resources
Experience the benefits of Windows Firewall Control by downloading version 6.13.0.0 today: Download Windows Firewall Control (3.4 MB, Freeware).
For additional resources and insights, visit the official website: Windows Firewall Control Website.
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