Keeping Windows 8.1 Safe and Secure

Removing apps from the allowed list

Removing apps from the list of allowed apps through Windows Firewall or disabling access to certain types of networks is easy. Both tasks are done from the Allowed Apps window. If you want to disable a rule allowing access to a certain app or feature, simply clear the check box to the left side of its name. Windows Firewall will no longer use it.

If you only want to disable network and Internet access for an app when connected to a certain type of network profile, clear the check box in the column of that network profile. For example, if you want to prevent an app from receiving network and Internet access when you are connected to a public network, clear the check box in the Public column. If the Private column is selected for that app, it will only have access to private networks.

When removing entries from the allowed list, keep in mind that you can remove only apps and entries that were not included with Windows 8.1. For example, you cannot remove an entry about Windows Media Player because it is part of Windows 8.1, although you can remove an entry about a third-party app you installed, such as Steam or uTorrent. The entries that are included in the default configuration of Windows Firewall can only be disabled, not removed.

In this exercise, you’ll learn how to remove an app from the allowed list.

1. In the left column, click the Allow An App Or Feature Through Windows Firewall.

   The Allowed Apps window opens.

2. Click Change Settings, if required.

3. Select the app or feature that you want to remove, and then click Remove.

   

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4. Click Remove.

   You are asked to confirm the removal.

   

5. Click Yes.

   You return to the Allowed Apps window.

6. Click OK.

The change is now applied to the list of active rules Windows Firewall uses.