Windows 10: Windows 11 pc cannot access internet because Microsoft defender firewall is broken. How can...

Windows 11 pc cannot access internet because Microsoft defender firewall is broken. How can this be resolved?The PC is a Dell Inspiron 64-bit running Windows 11 Home. The laptop had been updated to 23H2 but then failed to connect to internet. There is no evidence of malware. OS rolled back to 22H2, but still no success.

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Windows Defender Firewall broken

This happens usually every 5 to 6 months on my PC. Reasons unknown.

None of these links work. At best they lead to an error box.



All commands are grayed out.

Again, everything grayed out.

Even the snap-in won't load. In the past I've had no recourse but to Macrium Reflect everything (at least the system drive) a day earlier. It's a workable solution for me if I've done nothing more than just creating new files on my data drive. When it involves my system drive it can be a mess, usually with me doing all those earlier tasks all over again. I'd appreciate the sharp minds here to give me advice on all steps to avoid Total Recall. Thanks in advance.

 

Windows Firewall is blocking access to the internet

Hello T.Cookie，



Welcome to the Microsoft Community！

I understand that you have encountered a situation where network access is disabled by the firewall. I understand your concern.



In order to understand your problem, is all network access disabled or access to specific applications or webpages disabled?



If the device belongs to the enterprise/organization management, the commonly used solutions may not be applicable due to specific restrictions or security policies of the company or organization. If your device does not belong to the enterprise/organization management, you can read the following suggestions:



First of all, if you are connected to a VPN or downloaded a third-party firewall application, it is recommended that you temporarily disconnect the VPN and uninstall the third-party firewall application.

Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed.



If the problem is caused by a firewall, you can refer to the steps in this document to see if temporarily disabling Microsoft Defender will solve the problem：Turn off Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security - Microsoft Support



Or search for "Services" in the Windows search box --- alphabetically to find Windows Defender Firewall or Windows Firewall, Antimalware Service Executable--- double-click --- change the startup type to disable --- enable --- start service --- OK to save and see how it goes.

Disclaimer: Perform the following steps to temporarily turn off real-time Microsoft Defender anti-virus protection in Windows Defender to help you identify the cause of the problem, but keep in mind that your device may be vulnerable when you turn it off. So once the problem is resolved, please turn on Windows Defender immediately.

• If a firewall is causing network access, you should be able to access the network smoothly after disabling the firewall. You can re-enable the firewall, open Windows Firewall Settings, check firewall rules and program permission settings, and ensure that the required programs and services are allowed to access the Internet.
  
• If you still can't access the network after disabling the firewall, then you can consider whether resetting your computer can help.
  
  Attention: If there is important data in the computer, it is recommended to back it up in advance.
  

I hope the above can answer your doubts, and I wish you a smooth solution to the problem.



Hope this helps,please feel free to reply me if anything is unclear or if there are any further updates, thanks.



Best Regards ,

Morning | Microsoft Technical Support Community

 

W10 can connect to wider internet but cannot access web pages

I have an odd issue with my W10 laptop linked to Sky broadband in the UK via wifi using a Sky router. The effect is that while I can actually access the internet (I can send and receive emails using Outlook and can connect to other machines using TeamViewer) I cannot access any web site (Google, BBC etc). There is no specific error message, merely that the access request timed out and a suggestion that it may be to do with proxy. I have tried the following:

1. Other systems (W10 and ios) can access web sites using the same Sky router (therefore probably not a router problem)
2. I have sent and received emails using Outlook, so the broadband connection is working (probably not a Sky problem)
3. I have tried two different browsers (Firefox and Edge), no connection (not a browser problem)
4. I am using Windows Defender and have:
   1. Made sure that Firefox is in the list of allowed systems in its Firewall, no connection after a reboot
   2. Turned off the Firewall and tried again - no connection

My next step will be to re-install Windows, but has anyone got any other suggestions? Could it be some sort of virus (I have carried out a complete virus check using Defender) So - any suggestions?