How Do I Turn Off Windows Vista Firewall?

Firewalls are one of many Windows features that help keep your computer secure.

Firewalls are one of the key preventatives against malicious software, like viruses and spyware. A firewall on your computer blocks potentially unsafe software from accessing your computer and blocks any similar software on your computer from accessing other systems. Windows Vista has a built-in firewall called "Windows Firewall," and when you install Windows or buy a new computer, the firewall is automatically turned on. If you want to turn off Windows Firewall, it only takes a few steps.

Instructions

1. Open the "Control Panel" by clicking the Start button and then selecting "Control Panel."

2. Click "Check this computer's security status" under the "Security" heading to open the "Windows Security Center." If you have the "Control Panel" set to "Classic View" (indicated in the left side of the window), double-click "Windows Security Center."

3. Click "Windows Firewall" on the left of the "Windows Security Center" window. This opens a window displaying the status of "Windows Firewall" on your computer.

4. Click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" in the left side of the window.

5. Select the option labeled "Off (not recommended)," then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• If you're turning of "Windows Firewall" because it's been blocking software on your computer that you want to use, you could leave the firewall on and add an exception to it. Exceptions are programs that the firewall ignores. That option is available by clicking "Allow a program through Windows Firewall" in the "Windows Firewall" utility.

• You shouldn't turn off Windows Firewall unless you have another secure, trustworthy firewall operating on your computer. Operating without a firewall is a security risk.

References

• Windows Vista Help & How-to: Understanding Windows Firewall settings