How to Add Exceptions to Windows 8 Firewall

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

Windows firewall will often block Windows 8 apps from working properly. You can solve this problem by adding an exception and letting the app past the firewall.

Steps

1
Search for "firewall" in the Windows 8 Start menu. If you have a touch screen, swipe from the right edge of your screen to trigger a settings menu which has a search option. Another shortcut is to press the Windows button on your keyboard at the same time as pressing the "s" key.
2
Select Windows Firewall from the options that appear in the top left.

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3
Click on "allow an app or feature through Windows firewall in the Windows Firewall window.
4
Click "Change settings" in the next window. Click "Allow another app..." in the bottom right corner.
5
Select an app to add in the window that pops up, and then click "Add" to add the exception to the list.

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Community Q&A

Question

My "Add an App" window shows no list. It's blank. What to do?

Community Answer

Re-install the application. If that doesn't work, check if the app is compatible with your device. If THAT doesn't work, contact the admin of the application.