How to Disable a Windows Firewall With Gpedit

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Windows includes an integrated firewall that blocks incoming network traffic by default. The Windows firewall can be disabled completely if you want to use a third-party firewall or want Windows computers on an internal network to accept all traffic. One method for disabling the Windows firewall is by using gpedit, the group-policy editor. System administrators use group policy to lock down and configure Windows installations, often through a central group policy server. The group policy editor is an advanced feature, so it isn't available on home editions of Windows.

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Step 1

Open the group-policy editor by clicking "Start," typing "gpedit.msc" into the search box in the start menu and pressing "Enter."

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Step 2

Expand the "Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Network Connections\Windows Firewall" folders by clicking the arrow to the left of each folder.

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Step 3

Select the "Standard Profile" folder under the Windows Firewall folder.

Step 4

Double-click "Windows Firewall: Protect All Network Connections" in the right pane of the group-policy editor window.

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Step 5

Click "Disabled" and "OK."

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Step 6

Select the "Domain Profile" folder under the Windows Firewall folder in the left pane.

Step 7

Double-click "Windows Firewall: Protect All Network Connections" in the right pane,

Step 8

Click "Disabled" and "OK."

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