How to reset Windows Firewall without losing settings

Are you experiencing connection problems or misconfigured rules? Resetting the Windows Firewall to its original state is often the quickest solution. However, this reset completely erases all your custom permissions. In this article, we'll look at how to do this. The ultimate trick to completely reset it and instantly recover your settings through a secure and fast backup.

Is it possible to reset the Windows Firewall without losing the settings?

First of all, is it possible to reset the Windows firewall without losing the settings? NoIt's not possible to reset Windows Firewall settings to their original state while keeping any existing configurations or rules. This is because the reset function... It consists precisely of deleting all custom rules. (input and output) and restore factory settings Windows.

If you need to solve a problem without losing the created configuration, the best solution is export and import a backup of your rules. This way you can reset the Windows Firewall to fix any errors and reapply your previous settings in just a few seconds.

Steps to reset Windows Firewall without losing settings

Since there's no built-in way to reset Windows Firewall without losing your previous settings, here are the steps to... Keep your current rules, perform the restore, and then re-import them.You'll see that it's not a complicated procedure and that you can do it completely in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Export your current settings (Create a backup)

The first thing to do is export your current configuration, that is, create a backup of your previous rulesTo do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the keys Windows + R, writes wf.msc and press Enter to open Windows Firewall Advanced Security.
2. In the right panel (Actions), click on Export directive…
3. Choose a secure location on your computer (such as your desktop or a backup folder), and name the file with the extension. .wfw and click on Keep.

Step 2: Reset the Firewall to default settings

Once you have backed up your previous rules, it's time to Reset Windows Firewall to the default values. You can do that through the Windows control panel or from the command prompt (CMD):

• Open the control panel: Go to Windows Defender Firewall and click on the link Restore default values in the left panel. Confirm the action. This will clear any conflicting or corrupt rules you may have.
• From the console (CMD): Open Command Prompt as administrator, type the command netsh advfirewall reset and press Enter.

Step 3: Check the network operation

Check if the problem you were having with Windows or your internet connection has been resolved with the firewall's default settings. If the problem you were experiencing has been resolved, then you're ready to take the next step: importing the saved configuration.

Step 4: Import your saved settings

At this point, the process of resetting the Windows Firewall is almost complete. Of course, there's still one last, essential step: import your saved settings To avoid losing it. To complete the process, follow these steps:

1. Press again Windows + R, writes wf.msc and press Enter.
2. Right-click on Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in the left pane.
3. In the right panel (Actions), select Import directive… 
4. Find the file you saved in Step 1, select it, and click on Open to retrieve your custom rules.

What is the purpose of resetting the Windows Firewall?

Now then, What is the purpose of resetting the Windows Firewall? This security system integrated into the Microsoft operating systemIt acts as a barrier or filter between your computer and the network. It blocks or allows incoming and outgoing data traffic to protect your computer against unauthorized access.

Upon restoring it, You return all its settings to the original factory values, removing any modifications or customizations made over time. This is a measure primarily used in situations such as the following:

• Troubleshooting Internet or network connection problems: If at any time an application, game, browser, or network service fails to connect, resetting the Firewall removes corrupt or misconfigured rules that might be blocking traffic by mistake.
• Remove residual or junk rules: Over time, installing and uninstalling programs accumulates a lot of automatic rules. Resetting it leaves the permissions list clean and refreshed.
• Revert accidental changes: Did you accidentally modify an advanced rule and can't remember which one? Restoration will immediately reapply the standard security profiles.
• Cleaning the system after a malware attack: Resetting the Windows Firewall is a good idea if your computer was infected with malware. Keep in mind that it may have opened ports or created unauthorized inbound rules.
• Reset permission prompts: If you want Windows to show you the pop-up window again so you can decide whether to allow access on public or private networks, resetting the firewall is the solution.

Important note: Windows will not ask for permission again for applications that were already included in the policy file you imported. When you import the backup, Windows Firewall restores all rules exactly as they were saved, including application exceptions and their network scopes.

Resetting Windows Firewall without losing previous settings is possible

Resetting the Windows firewall is a An excellent alternative for troubleshooting network failures without sacrificing security of your system. If you back up your policies beforehand, you can resolve any technical conflicts and restore your exceptions in just a few seconds. Follow the steps outlined in this guide whenever you need to clean up your network rules without having to reconfigure them from scratch.