How to Fix “Security or Firewall Settings Might Be Blocking the Connection”? 10 Effective Solutions

Network Errors

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Getting the “Security or Firewall Settings Might Be Blocking the Connection” issue on your Windows computer can be very annoying and disruptive, especially if you depend on a stable internet connection for your everyday duties. This error message indicates that your system’s security settings are preventing internet access or blocking specific programs. Identifying and resolving the underlying problems can save you a great deal of time and trouble.

Your system may encounter this error for a number of reasons. It can be the result of recently made changes to your system configuration, outdated security software, or too restrictive firewall settings.
It may also result from updates or patches conflicting with existing firewall rules, malware infections, or improper network configurations. 
These issues can also cause other Windows errors like “Wifi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” and other network issues.

Alerts from Windows Defender or other security software stating “Security or firewall settings might be blocking the connection” typically appear when attempting to access the internet or use a web browser.

TRY IT NOW: Quick Ways to Fix “Firewall Settings Blocking Connection” Error in Windows

Here are a few fast fixes you can attempt straight away if you’re in a hurry:

  • Modifying the firewall settings to allow restricted applications.
  • Turn off your security software for a while to see whether that’s the cause of the problem.
  • Make sure your security software and System are running the latest version.
  • Use the built-in Network Troubleshooter to find and resolve problems on its own.

In the next sections, let’s discuss these and more solutions in detail with instructions.

How to Fix Security or Firewall Settings Might be Blocking the Connection

5 Easy Solutions to Fix
“Firewall Settings Blocking Connection” Error in Windows

In this section, we will look into straightforward and simple methods to resolve the error. These solutions can be easily followed by users without extensive technical knowledge.

Solution 1. Modify the Firewall’s Settings

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Changing the firewall settings is one of the first things you should do. Occasionally, a firewall may mistakenly block some genuine apps. Here are the steps:

  • In ‘Windows Search’, type “Control Panel” and press ‘Enter’.
Type Control Panel
  • Navigate to “Security and System”.
  • Select “Windows Defender Firewall” by clicking on it.
  • Choose “Allow an App or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” from the left pane.
  • Select “Change settings” (admin required).
  • Check the boxes for your browser.
  • Press “OK”.
Modify the Firewall's Settings for Browser

Solution 2. Turn Off Security Software Temporarily

You can find out if your security software is the cause of the issue by temporarily disabling it as sometimes security software might restrict some necessary apps. Follow the below steps:

  • In the system tray, right-click the icon of the antivirus app.
  • Click “Disable”.
  • Select a time frame, like fifteen minutes.
  • Try using the restricted website or service once more.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Solution 3. Update your Security Software

Outdated security software may result in compatibility concerns that restrict connectivity.  

Update your Security Software
  • Open the security software.
  • Go to the “Update” section.
  • Select “Check for updates”.
  • Install if any update is available.
  • Restart your PC.

Solution 4. Install Recent System Updates

Maintaining an up-to-date system can help avoid conflicts between security settings and new patches

  • In ‘Windows search’, type “updates” and press ‘Enter’.
  • Click “Install Updates” if there are any accessible updates.
Windows update - Download and install all
  • Click “Check for updates” if not.
  • Install updates that are available.
Click Check for Updates
  • Restart your computer when all update processes have finished.

Solution 5. Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

A built-in Network Troubleshooter in Windows can automatically identify and resolve typical network problems

  • In ‘Windows Search’, type “troubleshoot” and hit ‘Enter’.
  • Select “Other Troubleshooters”.
  • Select “Run” next to the “Network and Internet” troubleshooter in the list.
  • Await the completion of the process and then implement the suggested fixes.
  • Give your system a restart.

5 Advanced Ways In Order to Fix
“Firewall Settings Blocking Connection” Issue

It’s time to attempt advanced troubleshooting steps if the simple fixes fail to fix the issue. These methods can effectively fix persistent connectivity issues.

Adv. Solution 1. Return Firewall to Factory Defaults

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Resetting your firewall to its default settings can remove custom rules that may be causing the blockage. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open the “Control Panel”.
  • Click on “Windows Defender Firewall”.
Control Panel - Windows Defender Firewall
  • Select “Restore defaults” from the left side pane.
Click Restore defaults on Windows Firewall
  • Confirm by clicking “Restore defaults” again.
Click Restore defaults again

Adv. Solution 2. Reboot Your Internet Connection

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Resetting your entire network setup can sometimes resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

  • Press the ‘Windows key + I’.
  • Click on “Network & Internet”.
Open Settings then Network & Internet
  • In the “Status” pane on the right, scroll down.
  • In “Advanced network settings”, find and click on “Network reset”.
  • Select “Reset now”.
Reset Network Setting to Default State

Adv. Solution 3. Clear the DNS cache, reset Windows sockets, and reset TCP/IP

These network resets can help remove any corrupted settings. Follow these steps:

In ‘Windows Search’, type “cmd”.

Click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.

  • Copy and paste each of the following commands, pressing ‘Enter’ after each one
    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /registerdns
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
    netsh winsock reset
ipconfig
  • Restart your system.

Adv. Solution 4. Turn Off the Firewall Temporarily

If the firewall is causing the issue, you can identify it by temporarily disabling it. Here’s how:

  • Open the “Control Panel”.
  • Go to “System and Security”.
  • Click on “Windows Defender Firewall”.
  • Choose “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
  • Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both “private” and “public” networks.
  • Click “OK”.
Turn off the Windows Defender Firewall
  • Try accessing the restricted website or service again.

Adv. Solution 5. Uninstall Your Network Adapter

Issues with drivers can often be resolved by reinstalling the network adapter. Follow these steps:

  • Press ‘Windows + R’ to launch the “Run” dialog box.
  • Type “devmgmt.msc” and click “OK” to open “Device Manager”.
Type devmgmt.msc
  • In “Device Manager”, locate and expand the “Network adapters” entry.
  • Right-click on your network adapter and select “Uninstall device”.
Uninstall WIFI Device
  • Confirm by clicking “Uninstall” on the pop-up window.
  • Restart your computer.

A Few Last Words

Following the right steps may easily resolve the “Security or Firewall Settings Might Be Blocking the Connection” error.
You can fix your system’s security settings and restore your internet connectivity by following the simple and advanced options listed. Keeping your security settings in check ensures both accessibility and protection for your computer.

And if you’re still getting issues, feel free to post your case in the comments below.

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About the author
Sage-Michael Brown
Sage-Michael Brown - Author

Sage is another team member and writer at Windows Fix Hub.

His experience includes computer repair, IT consulting, computer networking, data recovery, and home networking.

These qualities enables him to provide top-notch information for our readers and guide them through pretty much any issue.