Simple FOSS Windows 11 firewall/app blocker that can block apps (or folders if possible)?
I'm looking for a free and open-source firewall/app blocker for Windows 11. What I want: Keep the built-in Windows Defender Firewall. Don't change DNS or interfere with VPNs. Lightweight. No default-deny/whitelist workflow if possible. I only want to manually…
I'm looking for a free and open-source firewall/app blocker for Windows 11. What I want: Keep the built-in Windows Defender Firewall. Don't change DNS or interfere with VPNs. Lightweight. No default-deny/whitelist workflow if possible. I only want to manually block internet access for a few apps/games/folders. Bonus: Can block an entire folder instead of adding every .exe individually (if such a feature exists). Is there any FOSS tool that fits these requirements, or is blocking individual executables the only practical option on Windows? Update: gonna stick with FAV and wait for simplewall to give an option to not block new apps/ tonot have by default blocker
Collected discussion
Try simplewall Firewall App Blocker (Not open source)
thanks tried it, simple just as i needed. But is it still safe to use (as old not maintained)
FAB is exactly what i needed (also support folder drag : recursively search for .exe files). But is it safe ? its old and not actively maintained and code isnt open source so thats another issue. I tried simplewall last year, but didnt know .exe/file drag and drop feature. It also can do what FAB can do. But it has by default blocker which is a drag for me for each time new app installation
yes i know but its a hassle to change manually for so many apps.
why shouldn't it be safe? just a simple "gui" to edit firewall rules (or editing hosts file). sometimes simple (and old) programs works best :)
i use this one (somehow old but still kicking.); https://www.sordum.org/8125/firewall-app-blocker-fab-v1-9/
been using this for years
Other than the folder thing I think Windows Defender itself should be able to do this. While by default all outbound traffic is allowed, you should be able to add block rules for programs or ports. No extra tools needed as far as I know.
https://github.com/deminimis/minimalfirewall
Try DefenderUI
You might try MajorPrivacy https://xanasoft.com/MajorPrivacy/ which I recently discovered. It's more of a HIPS style system but I suspect that might make it a good fit.
Not aware of a tool that does exactly what you want, Windows Firewall Control makes it easier to manage Windows Firewall. What you can do is create one rule and export it out then modify it and re-import the rule this can create a new rule with the settings - rinse repeat. I've done this in the past when need to do bulk modifications. Alternatively you can modify the Firewall using Powershell Windows Firewall Control https://binisoft.org/wfc Via Powershell: "Blocking a Specific Application" section of: https://www.scriptwizards.net/managing-windows-firewall-with-powershell/ https://woshub.com/manage-windows-firewall-powershell/
Windows Firewall Control. Everything else is useless or a scam.
Windows defender