Enhanced Management for Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall Control Overview
Windows Firewall Control is an innovative application designed to augment the functionality of the built-in Windows Firewall, enabling users to access key settings swiftly. This lightweight tool operates from the system tray, allowing for the seamless management of the native firewall across various Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and Windows Server editions such as 2022, 2019, 2016, and 2012.
Acquisition and Integration with Malwarebytes
In June 2018, Malwarebytes acquired Windows Firewall Control, marking a significant expansion of its security offerings. This integration allows users to benefit from a more cohesive security management experience, with the full-featured edition of Windows Firewall Control now available at no cost. Notably, users no longer need to activate the program, and its notification system has also been made freely accessible.
Key Features of Windows Firewall Control
Windows Firewall Control boasts four distinct filtering modes, easily switched with a click:
- High Filtering: Blocks all outgoing connections completely.
- Medium Filtering: Allows only designated programs to initiate outgoing connections.
- Low Filtering: Permits outgoing connections that do not match specific rules, while enabling you to block undesirable programs.
- No Filtering: Disables Windows Firewall—this option should only be used if another firewall is in place.
User-Friendly Interface and Functionality
Designed with usability in mind, Windows Firewall Control offers a range of features that enhance user experience:
- Accessible interface in the system tray next to the clock for quick access.
- Supports standard user accounts with elevated privileges only necessary during installation.
- Prevents unauthorized additions to Windows Firewall rules by other applications.
- Facilitates easier rule creation and management of firewall settings.
- Includes a lock feature to secure program and firewall settings.
- Integrates with the right-click context menu for executable files.
- Rapid identification and deletion of invalid rules.
- Capability to merge similar rules and duplicate existing entries.
- Quick searching for executable files across folders to create new rules.
- Monitor recent allowed and blocked connections through the Security log.
- Options to start the program automatically at user login.
- Import, export, and restore firewall rules efficiently.
- Protection against unauthorized uninstallation and the ability to restore prior settings upon removal.
- Supports global hotkeys and multiple shortcut configurations.
- And much more—experience it yourself!
Advanced Notification System
The application features a comprehensive notifications system that alerts users to outbound connections that are blocked:
- High Alerts: Notifications for all blocked outgoing connections, including critical system processes.
- Medium Alerts: Notifications for regular applications only, excluding system processes.
- Low Alerts: Automatically allowances for digitally signed programs, with notifications for unsigned ones only.
- Disabled: Option to turn off notifications completely.
- Ability to create temporary rules that self-delete upon expiration or program restart.
Latest Updates in Windows Firewall Control 6.17.0.0
The recent update brings several improvements and fixes:
- Fixed: Resolved an issue where the installer might fail to complete the update under specific conditions.
- Updated: Auto-update check is now a machine-wide setting rather than tied to individual user accounts.
- Improved: Added version information for Windows Firewall Control in the system tray icon tooltip.
- Improved: Enhanced validation for invalid characters in rule property dialogs.
Download and Access
Get started with Windows Firewall Control 6.17.0.0 now: Download Here | File Size: 3.4 MB (Freeware)
For additional information and support, visit the Windows Firewall Control Website.
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