How to Turn Off Windows Firewall With GPO

Windows Firewall is an important security feature.

Windows Firewall is a security feature first introduced in Windows XP Service Pack 2. It stops incoming network traffic unless that traffic is part of a recognized or authorized program, preventing malicious users and programs from accessing your computer. The firewall settings can only be changed by authorized users who are added to the network or computer's "Group Policy," or GPO.

Instructions

Windows XP

1. Install Service Pack 2 or higher if you are using Windows XP. Windows XP Service Pack 1 and earlier does not include support for managing Windows Firewall with GPO.

2. Open the "Start" menu and click "Run."

3. Type "Firewall.cpl" into the text field and click "OK."

4. Click the "General" tab, then click "Off." Click "OK" to turn off the Windows Firewall.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

1. Click on "Control Panel" in the "Start" menu.

2. Click "System and Security," then "Windows Firewall." For Windows Vista, click "Security" instead of "System and Security."

3. Click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" from the panel on the left side of the window.

4. Click "Turn off Windows Firewall" under the home network and public network sections, then click the "OK" button.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your network administrator to get GPO authorization.

• Disabling Windows Firewall puts your computer at risk of picking up viruses or other malicious software, so it is not recommended to turn off your firewall.

References

• Microsoft Support: How Can I Turn On or Turn off the Firewall in Windows XP?
• Microsoft: Turn Windows Firewall On or Off
• Windows Vista: Turn Windows Firewall On or Off

Resources

• Microsoft Support: How to Obtain the Latest Windows XP Service Pack