Resolved: Allow a dangerous app through Windows Firewall

Question

I had occasion to reset Windows Defender Firewall to its default settings[1]. Next, when Windows Explorer tried to view a shared folder on my home network (a private network) it asked if I wanted to enable sharing on all public networks or if I wanted to change my home network to a private network, so I chose the latter[2]. Several Microsoft Edge windows containing a bunch of tabs remained open during all this time.

Later I hibernated my computer and later reawakened it from hibernation, which shouldn't matter, but who knows. Several Microsoft Edge windows containing a bunch of tabs remained open during all this time.

After reawakening my computer, it displayed a warning. Microsoft Edge is dangerous. I guess the installer of Microsoft Edge had punched some holes in the Windows Defender Firewall without telling me, but after Windows Defender Firewall was reset to its default settings, it caught this nefarious application.

Oddly, several Microsoft Edge windows containing a bunch of tabs remain open during all this time, and I don't see any visible problem. All of the sites being viewed are out on the public network, not in my private network, though I don't know how many files might be in Edge's cache in the local PC.

So, what do the experts think? Should I allow Edge to access the network through Windows Defender Firewall?

[1] First I changed the SSID that my WiFi adapter connects to. Windows automatically decided my new home network was public instead of private, but it didn't tell me. Next when Windows Explorer tried to view a shared folder on my home network, I chose the wrong option. When I noticed that folders were being shared publicly, I changed the network type of my home network from public to private[2] and reset Windows Defender Firewall to its default settings.

[2] It looks like some part of Windows didn't get the message when I changed the network type of my home network from public to private, so I had to tell it again, and it obeyed the second time.

**** Original Title : Dangerous app****

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand that you are facing issues allowing access to Windows Defender Firewall

In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

1. Do you use any non-Microsoft anti-virus software?
2. Is the PC connected to a domain/organizational network?

You could allow access to Microsoft Edge as it does not come under third party app

Meanwhile, please refer to the methods given below for additional help:

Method 1: Allowing apps through Windows Defender Firewall

• Select the Start menu, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and select it from the list of results.
• Select Change settings. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
• To add an app, select the check box next to the app, or select Allow another app and enter the path for the app. If the issue is with multiple browsers, you may want to browse the path of the application and add it manually.
• To remove an app, clear the check box next to the app, and then select OK.

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Note: Only allow an app or open a port when you really need to, and follow the steps to remove apps from the list of allowed apps or close ports that you no longer need. Never allow an app that you don't recognize to communicate through the firewall.

You can also refer: Risks of allowing apps through Windows Defender Firewall

Method 2: Fix problems with Windows Firewall

You may also run the troubleshooter to Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall

Let us know how it goes.

Vineet Kumar Microsoft Community – Moderator

Answer 2

"1. Do you use any non-Microsoft anti-virus software?"

I'm not sure. I use Windows Defender and it is active. In the past I used a trial of Malware Bytes Premium but when the trial became inactive Windows Defender became active again. But I don't know why it matters. This question is about Windows Defender FIREWALL (and Edge) not about anti-virus.

"2. Is the PC connected to a domain/organizational network?"

No. It's connected to a workgroup. Despite Microsoft's efforts to hide workgroups, they still exist. Anyway the PC is not connected to an Active Directory or NT Domain.

"You could allow access to Microsoft Edge as it does not come under third party app"

My question is not about COULD; I know the answer to that. My question is about SHOULD.

Does Edge's installer actually punch holes in settings of Windows Defender Firewall? Is it the right thing to do, i.e. SHOULD? Is there a reason why developers of Windows Defender made default settings that don't accommodate Microsoft Edge?

"Meanwhile, please refer to the methods given below for additional help"

My question is not about HOW; I know the answer to that. My question is about SHOULD.

"You may also run the troubleshooter to Automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Firewall"

Interesting. You think the default settings of Windows Defender Firewall might be defective? OK...

The troubleshooter couldn't find any problem:

Answer 3

After a Windows Update, the Security Alert no longer appears. I guess Microsoft either adjusted Edge to be less dangerous or adjusted Windows Defender Firewall to accept the danger silently, I don't know which.

Answer 4

After a Windows Update, the Security Alert no longer appears. I guess Microsoft either adjusted Edge to be less dangerous or adjusted Windows Defender Firewall to accept the danger silently, I don't know which.

I can't find how to mark my reply as an answer.