For many years, consumers looking for more control over their Windows Firewall settings have relied on Windows Firewall Control (WFC). On October 17, 2024, version 6.12.0.0 was released, bringing with it a number of enhancements, corrections, and new features aimed at giving users more control and a more user-friendly experience.
Overview of Windows Firewall Control
WFC is a robust application that extends the capabilities of the native Windows Firewall. Operating from the system tray, it offers users quick and efficient access to firewall settings without the need to navigate through multiple system menus. This streamlined access ensures that both novice and advanced users can manage their network security with ease.
Key Features:
- Intuitive Interface: Accessible directly from the system tray, allowing for quick adjustments to firewall settings.
Four Distinct Filtering Modes: Provides varying levels of connection control to suit different security needs.
Comprehensive Notifications: Alerts users to outbound blocked connections, ensuring transparency in network activities.
Learning Mode: Automatically allows digitally signed programs, reducing manual configuration.
Temporary Rules: Enables the creation of rules that expire automatically, maintaining a clean rule set.
Shell Integration: Offers right-click context menu options for executables, facilitating quick allow or block actions.
Profiles Management: Allows users to easily switch between different firewall profiles based on their current environment or needs.
Detailed Examination of Key Features
Intuitive Interface
WFC’s user-friendly interface is designed for accessibility and ease of use. Residing in the system tray, it provides users with immediate access to firewall controls. This design ensures that users can quickly view their current filtering mode, access notifications, and modify rules without navigating through complex system settings.
Screenshot: Main Interface of Windows Firewall Control
Four Distinct Filtering Modes
WFC offers four filtering modes, each tailored to different security requirements:
- High Filtering: Blocks all inbound and outbound connections. This mode is ideal for situations where maximum security is necessary, such as when connected to untrusted networks.
- Medium Filtering: Blocks outbound connections that do not match a rule. Only programs explicitly allowed can initiate outbound connections, providing a balanced approach between security and usability.
- Low Filtering: Allows outbound connections unless explicitly blocked. This mode is suitable for users who prefer to allow most connections but want the ability to block specific applications.
- No Filtering: Turns off Windows Firewall. This mode is not recommended unless another firewall solution is active, as it leaves the system unprotected.
- Screenshot: Filtering Modes in Windows Firewall Control
Comprehensive Notifications
WFC enhances user awareness by providing notifications for outbound blocked connections. When a program attempts to initiate a connection that is not permitted by existing rules, WFC alerts the user, allowing for immediate action. This feature ensures that users are informed of potential unauthorized connection attempts in real-time.
Screenshot: Outbound Connection Notification
Learning Mode
The Learning Mode feature simplifies the configuration process by automatically allowing digitally signed programs. This reduces the need for manual rule creation for trusted applications, streamlining the user experience while maintaining security.
Screenshot: Learning Mode Configuration
Temporary Rules
WFC allows users to create temporary rules that expire after a specified period or upon program restart. This is particularly useful for granting temporary access to applications or services without permanently altering the firewall’s rule set.
Screenshot: Temporary Rule Creation
Shell Integration
With shell integration, WFC adds options to the right-click context menu of executable files. This allows users to quickly allow or block a program’s network access directly from Windows Explorer, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Screenshot: Shell Integration Context Menu
Profiles Management
WFC’s profiles management feature enables users to create and switch between different firewall profiles easily. This is beneficial for users who operate in various environments, such as home, work, or public networks, each requiring different firewall configurations.
Screenshot: Profiles Management Interface
What’s New in Version 6.12.0.0
The 6.12.0.0 update introduces several notable enhancements and fixes:
- New Feature: A ‘Skip loopback and multicast’ checkbox has been added in the Connections Log. This allows users to filter out these types of connections from the results list, providing a clearer view of relevant network activities.
- Fixes:
- Corrected the display of remote and local addresses/ports in the Connections Log for inbound connections on Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2019/2022.
- Resolved an issue where switching to the High Filtering profile required manual refresh in the Rules Panel to display special rules.
- Screenshot: ‘Skip loopback and multicast’ Option in Connections Log
System Requirements
To ensure optimal performance, WFC requires the following system specifications:
- Operating Systems: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and corresponding Server versions.
- .NET Framework: Version 4.6.2 or newer.
- Services: Windows Firewall service must be enabled; DNS Client service is required for notifications to function properly.
- Screenshot: System Requirements Check
Download and Installation
Windows Firewall Control 6.12.0.0 is available for download from the official Benioff website
Installation Steps:
Download the Installer: Visit the official website and download the latest version of WFC. 2