Is it possible to disable firewall on surface rt 8.1

Question

I'm at wits end. I've tried everythign to disable the firewall, it's preventing me from downloading and installing apps. I want it disabled. I've found the firewall menu (just like on my desktop) but everytime I disable it it simple goes back to active.

Answer 1

If you are trying to install regular Windows programs, forget it!  You have a RT tablet and cannot install regular Windows software due to the processor class.

You can only install apps from the Store and that is it.

Also, NEVER, EVER shut off the firewall on any computer!

Answer 2

So I currently have 2 windows pcs running without the windows firewall installed and an Ubuntu Linux box with the same set up. I'm not trying to install t regular windows programs I understand the limitations of the rt tablet. Again I simple want to disable the fire wall totally so I dint have to constantly add exceptions. Its annoying. I tried using command prompt nth advfirewall command as well as doing it through admin control panel and nothingmits a very simple question

Answer 3

Well, you have a two part question - 1 to shut off the firewall and 2 to install programs!

If you shut off the firewall, chances are, you are broadcasting your entire computer system within the range of your WiFi router.  I had worked at a small law office that had that setup and was there to backup one of the machines because it was broke.  I fired up my mini-notebook to do the work and the entire law firm's system was on display on my mini-notebook.  I had full access to every document, every program, and their printers.

If you did that with Ubuntu as well, you just disabled the primary security feature of Linux.  I have two Linux systems, Windows 7, Windows 8, and I am also on a Macintosh right now.  Tell me about it!

It is totally up to you on how your setup your system and if it works for you then fine.  But the RT tablets are basically locked and are running a recompiled version of Windows 8 called Windows 8.1 RT for the ARM processor class.  That is not the real Windows 8.  The firewall on the tablet is most likely deliberately locked.  It is actually the only secure version of Windows on the market today.

You can attempt to reconfigure the Network and Sharing Center which is essentially the control panel for the firewall.  If the options are greyed out, there is no unlock for that.

Answer 4

Hello Maria,

Thank you for reach out to the Microsoft community. I understand that you're trying to disable the Windows Firewall on your Surface RT for the reason that it is preventing you to download and install apps. I want to apologize for any troubles you are experience with your device. I know it is frustrating and annoying. I feel you pain and I'd like to help and guide you at the right direction.

Let me thank you for taking the time to post here, giving us the opportunity to assist. As you stated it, you understand the RT limitations, this is really one of the case where it applies. As James Vinyard mentioned it, the Windows RT on your Surface RT runs on an ARM processor which is not the same architecture than on other Windows PC.

Windows RT is a closed system. It allows you to installed only apps from the Windows Store, nothing else. You may find more info on this FAQ.

I'm afraid that disabling the Windows Firewall applies only to full Windows 8 version not the Windows RT.

I hope this will help. If you still have questions, don't hesitate.

Cheers,