Supercharge Your Windows Firewall with Windows Firewall Control (WFC)!

Did you know your built-in Windows Firewall can be much more powerful? While it does a great job protecting your computer, it often lacks the granular control that many users desire, especially when it comes to outbound connections. But what if you could get pop-up notifications asking you to allow or block every program trying to access the internet? Good news – you can!

Enter Windows Firewall Control (WFC), a fantastic free program now part of the Malwarebytes family (originally developed by BiniSoft.org). This tool doesn't replace your Windows Firewall; instead, it acts as a powerful front-end, extending its capabilities and giving you much more control.

Why WFC is a Game-Changer:

The standard Windows Firewall is excellent for blocking incoming threats, but it's not always as proactive about what leaves your computer. WFC fills this gap by providing features like:

• Real-time Connection Prompts: Imagine a pop-up appearing every time an application tries to connect to the internet. WFC gives you this immediate control, allowing you to decide whether to allow or block the connection on the spot. This is incredibly useful for identifying sneaky programs or simply keeping a tighter rein on your network activity.

• Enhanced Outbound Control: The default Windows Firewall often lacks detailed outbound filtering. WFC empowers you to block outbound connections that don't match your rules, ensuring only programs you explicitly trust can communicate with the internet.

• Four Filtering Modes: WFC offers easy-to-switch filtering modes:

  • High Filtering: Blocks all incoming and outgoing connections.

  • Medium Filtering: Blocks outbound connections that don't have a specific rule (only allowed programs can connect out).

  • Low Filtering: Allows outbound connections that don't have a rule (you can block specific programs).

  • No Filtering: Turns off Windows Firewall (use with caution, preferably if you have another firewall).

• Intuitive User Interface: WFC runs in your system tray, offering quick access to its features without needing to dig through complex Windows settings.

• Rule Management: Easily create, modify, and delete Windows Firewall rules. You can even find and merge duplicate rules, simplifying your firewall management.

• Security Log Integration: View recently allowed and blocked connections and create new rules directly from the security log.

• Protection Against Tampering: WFC can disable the ability of other programs to mess with your Windows Firewall rules and state, adding an extra layer of security.

• Context Menu Integration: Right-click on an executable file and quickly allow or block its internet access.

Who is it for?

If you're someone who wants more control over your computer's internet connections, including system services, and prefers a proactive approach to network security, WFC is definitely worth checking out. It's especially useful for:

• Users who want to monitor and control every application's internet access.

• Those looking for a simple way to manage complex firewall rules.

• Anyone who wants to enhance their existing Windows Firewall without installing a completely new firewall solution.

You can learn more about Windows Firewall Control and find download links on the official Malwarebytes forums, as discussed in this thread: Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control (WFC)

Give Windows Firewall Control a try and take charge of your network security!

I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.

Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.