Windows Firewall not starting automatically: Fix in Windows

In this article, I will discuss how to fix the issue of Windows Firewall not starting automatically in Windows.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

If your Windows Firewall is not starting automatically, you may experience symptoms such as error messages indicating that the firewall failed to start or that it is turned off. To diagnose the issue, you can check the Windows Firewall settings by following these steps:

1. Check Windows Firewall settings: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Make sure the firewall is turned on and set to start automatically.

2. Run Windows Firewall troubleshooter: Click on the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Windows Firewall and run the troubleshooter to identify and fix any issues.

3. Restart Windows Firewall service: Press the Windows key + R, type “services.msc” and press Enter. Locate the Windows Firewall service, right-click on it, and select Restart.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to download updates or seek further assistance from Microsoft support.

Identifying the Cause

• Check for conflicting programs:
  • Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc
  • Look for any programs that may be conflicting with Windows Firewall
  • Close or uninstall any conflicting programs
• Run Windows Firewall Troubleshooter:
  • Press Windows key + I to open Settings
  • Go to Update & Security
  • Click on Troubleshoot
  • Select Windows Firewall and run the troubleshooter
• Check Windows Firewall settings:
  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
  • Type control panel and press Enter
  • Click on System and Security
  • Click on Windows Defender Firewall
  • Ensure that Windows Firewall is set to start automatically

Automatic and Manual Resolutions

Automatic Resolution: If Windows Firewall is not starting automatically, you can try restarting the Windows Firewall service. Press the Windows key + R, type “services.msc”, and press Enter. Look for the Windows Firewall service, right-click on it, and select Start. If it is already running, try restarting it by selecting Restart instead.

Manual Resolution: If the automatic resolution does not work, you can try manually starting Windows Firewall. Press the Windows key + R, type “services.msc”, and press Enter. Look for the Windows Firewall service, right-click on it, and select Properties. Change the startup type to Automatic, click Apply, and then click Start to manually start the service.

If you encounter any error messages while trying to start Windows Firewall, you may need to troubleshoot further by checking for any recent changes to your system or running a system file checker scan.

Additional Resources and Help

If you’re still experiencing issues with Windows Firewall not starting automatically, there are additional resources available to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.

One helpful tool you can use is Microsoft’s Quick Assist feature, which allows someone else to remotely access your computer to assist with troubleshooting. You can also check the Microsoft Windows website for specific guides and tutorials on fixing Windows Firewall issues.

If you’re using an older version of Windows such as Windows Vista, make sure to check for any specific instructions related to your operating system. You may also want to consider downloading any available updates or patches for your version of Windows.

If you’re still unable to resolve the issue on your own, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance. They may be able to provide more advanced troubleshooting steps or offer additional resources to help you fix the problem.

F.A.Q.

Why won’t the firewall turn on?

The firewall won’t turn on because the Windows Defender Firewall service may be disabled. To enable it, go to the Services window, find Windows Defender Firewall, and check if its services status is Running. If it is disabled, click the Start button to enable it.

Why is my firewall not opening?

Your firewall may not be opening because the settings may have been changed or corrupted. To resolve this issue, you can try restoring the default settings of the firewall through the Control Panel.

Could not start Windows Firewall.?

Could not start Windows Firewall? You can resolve this issue by resetting the Windows Firewall settings to default. Simply go to Control Panel, then navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, and click on the Restore defaults option.

How do I turn on the Windows Firewall manually?

To turn on the Windows Firewall manually, you can go to the Control Panel, select System and Security, then click on Windows Defender Firewall. From there, choose the option to turn on the firewall for domain, private, and public network settings.