If you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Security has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Security from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to the exclusions list.

Allow an app through firewall - If the firewall is blocking an app you really need, you can add an exception for that app, or open a specific port. Learn more about that process (and why you might not want to) at Risks of allowing apps through Microsoft Defender Firewall.

There are two ways to allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall. Both of them are risky: Add an app to the list of allowed apps (less risky).

Press the Search button on the taskbar, type firewall, and then select Windows Defender Firewall. On the left side of the window, select Turn Windows Firewall on or off . Make sure Turn on Windows Defender Firewall is selected for your public or private network settings and then press OK .

Allow an app through firewall - If the firewall is blocking an app you really need, you can add an exception for that app, or open a specific port. Learn more about that process (and why you might not want to) at Risks of allowing apps through Microsoft Defender Firewall.

Automatically repair Windows Firewall problems, such as Windows fails to start Windows Firewall service (0x5) or Windows remote assistance is not working.

When you try to change your Windows Firewall settings, the options are greyed out and you can't make any changes. To fix this, follow these steps: Click the Start button, then type Windows Firewall in the Search box.

To turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off: Select Start , then open Settings . Under Privacy & security , select Windows Security > Firewall & network protection . Open Windows Security settings. Select a network profile: Domain network, Private network, or Public network.

Controlled folder access in Windows Security reviews the apps that can make changes to files in protected folders and blocks unauthorized or unsafe apps from accessing or changing files in those folders. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings. Under Exclusions select Add or remove exclusions. Select Add an exclusion. Choose one of the four options depending upon the type of exclusion you're trying to add: File - Excludes a specific file.