How to Block a Program with a Firewall

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to set your firewall to block all incoming network connections from a certain app or program, using a Windows PC or Mac.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using Mac

1
Open your Mac's System Preferences menu. Click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen, and select System Preferences on the drop-down menu.
2
Click Security & Privacy. This option looks like a house-shaped vault on the top row of System Preferences.
3
Click the Firewall tab. It's located between Filevault and Privacy at the top.
4
Click the Turn On Firewall button. This will instantly enable your Mac's firewall. The firewall indicator on the top-left will turn green.
- If you're unable to make changes in your settings, click the padlock icon on the bottom-left corner of the dialogue box, and enter your user password to make changes.
5
Click the Firewall Options button. This button is located below the Turn On/Off Firewall button. It will open a new pop-up window, and list all the apps your firewall is checking.
6
Click the + button below the app list. It's located in the lower-left corner of the firewall app list. This will allow you to add a new app to the firewall.
7
Select the app you want to block. Find and click the app you want to block in the dialogue box.
8
Click the Add button. This will add the selected program to your firewall.
- By default, incoming connections will be allowed when you add a new program.
9
Click the Allow incoming connections indicator next to the program. Find the program you want to block on the list, and click the green incoming connections indicator next to it.
10
Select Block incoming connections. When this option is selected, your firewall will automatically block all incoming network connections from this program.
11
Click OK. This will save and apply your new firewall settings.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using Windows

1
Open your computer's Control Panel. Click the Start menu or the
icon on your desktop, and type "Control Panel" here to quickly find and open your settings.
2
Type Windows Defender Firewall in the search bar and click on it. This option is listed next to a wall and a world icon. It will open your firewall settings on a new page.
3
Click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall link on the left menu. You can find this option at the top of a navigation menu on the left-hand side.
- Here, you can view a list of all the apps that are allowed through your firewall.
4
Click the Change settings button. This button is located near the top-right corner of the app list. It will allow you to edit and manage the apps you allow and block.
5
Find and select the program you want to block. Browse the app list, and click the program you want to block.
6
Click the Remove button. This button is located near the lower-right corner of the app list. It will remove the selected app from the firewall exceptions list, and block all of its incoming connections.
7
Click Yes in the confirmation pop-up. This will confirm your action, and remove the selected app from the list. Firewall will now automatically block incoming connections from this program.

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About This Article

Co-authored by:

wikiHow Staff Writer

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 1,213 times.

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Co-authors: 2

Updated: October 25, 2021

Views: 1,213

Categories: Firewalls