How to Block UWP Apps in Windows Firewall

Question

Continuing on from a previous thread I read that is now locked with a simple fob-off, MSFT need to give us the ability, dare I say the right, within Windows Firewall to block UWP apps, with respect to the exe's 'dynamic' file path that UWP apps employ when installed. We deserve the right to protect our privacy and data, do we not???

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for posting in Q&A platform.

May I know if your windows 10 is Enterprise/Education version? If yes, please try methods in the following article to see if it was helpful to you:

How to block UWP apps in Windows 10

If the issue still existed, please kindly check if the following similar thread was helpful to you:

How can I create Firewall rules for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps?

Best Regards,
Sunny

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Answer 2

Well, no! I think it is a bit of a cop-out to only put this stuff in Enterprise version as in theory enterprise is 500+ users and you're saying that 499 doesn't warrant such a feature with Pro. If that is the case then disable Local AD membership with Pro.

At the end of the day it is all about the back pocket, right? Cant wait for you to restrict Enterprise and release Windows pogCHAMP edition to see what's locked out from all the previous versions, probably have to upgrade to use the GUI after seeing the TPM 2.0 restriction to install Win 11.....what another cop-out.

All this security and Exchange still got hacked...having a TPM didn't stop that, did it! Is Microsoft going to remove the vTPM from Hyper-v and also force VMware to remove the vTPM so you can force people to buy new hardware??? Lets face it, the Surface is trash and purely want to drive more people tof ro hardware choices thus to market Surface hardware, just so Microsoft control with 100% built-in obsolesce for your financial longevity. Your adding to the cost of living, not to the security of our online lives.

Answer 3

I'm sorry guys but looks like that in some cases it's better to we have less knowledge...

Personally I'm a total noob in coding, but I really wanted to block some UWP apps in my PC.

This webpage, is the "END" of road for everyone who google this thing: "How to block UWP apps in Firewall"

With a lot of respects, you guys really make this issue harder than it needs to be...

NO CODING IS NEEDED AT ALL

You can simply block an UWP app in Firewall just like any other traditional Desktop software.

Your problem is that you don't look for the easiest way, you just look for the most advanced solution...

However, as I mentioned above, blocking internet connection for an UWP app is just like a traditional Desktop software.

EASY SOLUTION:

Type "advanced security" in Windows 8/10 search then select "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security".
In the newly opened window and in the left panel, go to "Inbound Rules" then in the right panel, select "New Rule..." then tap "Next" when "Program" is selected. Then click on "Browse..." and go to this address:

*C:\Program Files\WindowsApps*

Now find your app's name and enter its folder then select the file with "Application" type.
I do agree with anyone who say that finding the right file, is not that easy.
But not that hard too...
You'll be able to find the right "Application" type file just in a few seconds.
As an example, the folder name for the "Google" app is this:

GoogleInc.GoogleSearch_2.1.19.0_x64__yfg5n0ztvskxp

And the name of its app "Application" file type is this:

GoogleSearchUniversal

However, after choosing the correct "Application" file type click on "Open" for it.
Then tap "Next" and then choose "Block the connection" then "Next" then marking all types of connections then "Next" then call it and "Finish" and boom! lol...

Just like a traditional Desktop software.

You see?
Not a big deal...

As a conclusion, let's don't make it harder than it needs to be.
Leave your coding knowledge behind and look for an EASY method instead...