Learn how to prevent a program from accessing the Internet on your Windows computer with this easy-to-follow guide. Whether you want to stop annoying ads or secure your sensitive data, blocking internet access for a particular application is simple using Windows Firewall. Follow along with our step-by-step instructions.
How to Block a Program’s Access to the Internet in Windows
- Open the Start menu and go to the Control Panel.
- Click on Windows Firewall in Control Panel.
- On the left side of the window, click Advanced Settings.
- Click Outbound Rules to restrict Internet access for a particular application.
- In the Actions panel on the right side of the window, click New Rule.
- Click on Program and press Next.
- Enter the path where your program is installed or locate it with the Browse option.
- In the Action window, select Block connection and click Next.
- Select when you want your blocking rules to apply to the program. For complete Internet access cut off, select all three options.
- Give a name to the new rule and click Finish.
Easily block Internet access completely for an application by following the same steps above and blocking incoming connections. Select “inbound rules” in step 4, and the rest of the steps are similar. This method works for almost all programs installed on your machine, including UWP applications compatible with Windows 10.
Final Words
If you prefer not to use Windows Firewall, you can disable the Internet for your entire PC temporarily by enabling Airplane mode in the Action Center. Alternatively, there are many third-party firewall software options available for Windows that can efficiently block Internet access for specific applications. Share this article with others if you find it helpful.
FAQs
How can I tell if a program is trying to access the Internet?
Use the built-in Windows Resource Monitor to check which applications are currently using your network connection.
Can I temporarily block a program from accessing the Internet?
Yes, you can. Utilize the Windows Firewall method outlined in this article to block and unblock Internet access to a specific application whenever you want. Additionally, you can temporarily disable the Internet on your computer by enabling Airplane mode in the Action Center.
Are there third-party firewall options for blocking a program’s Internet access?
Absolutely. Plenty of third-party firewall software programs are available online that can help you block an application’s access to the Internet.
What kinds of programs should I block from accessing the Internet?
It depends on your goals. Some users block software that consistently displays ads, while others block applications that transmit sensitive data. If the application doesn’t require Internet access to function correctly, it’s generally okay to block its access to the Internet.
