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Reset Windows Firewall to Defaults (netsh advfirewall reset)

Revert firewall rules and profiles to the out-of-box configuration with one command.

WindowsnetshsecurityfirewallMedium risk
Run netsh advfirewall reset in an admin Command Prompt to restore default firewall rules and policies.

01Command

Command
$ netsh advfirewall reset

02What it does

Custom inbound/outbound rules, block rules and third-party leftovers can accumulate until something stops connecting. netsh advfirewall reset restores the original default policy: firewall on for all profiles, standard inbound blocking, and only the built-in rules. Third-party firewall software may also need repair if its rules were merged in.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
RequirementsRun Command Prompt as administrator. This wipes ALL custom firewall rules, including ones you created on purpose.
!Warning: This deletes every custom rule — including app blocks you set up yourself — so export first with netsh advfirewall export if you might want them back.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • netsh - Windows CMD
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents netsh advfirewall reset for restoring Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to its default policy and rules.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Security & Privacy

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