Minimal Firewall is a portable Windows firewall front-end that enhances the built-in Windows Firewall. It blocks all unknown network connections by default and alerts you when an app tries to connect to the internet. This gives you the power to decide whether to allow or block the connection, helping to prevent malware, stop unwanted telemetry, and avoid data leaks. Unlike other firewall programs that rely on custom kernel drivers, Minimal Firewall works seamlessly with Windows’ native APIs, ensuring stability and security without increasing your system’s attack surface.
Key Features of Minimal Firewall
Minimal Firewall is packed with features that make it both effective and easy to use:
- Lockdown Mode: By default, it blocks all network connections unless you explicitly approve them, ensuring no app “phones home” without your permission.
- Real-Time Alerts: When a program tries to connect, you get instant notifications with details like the app’s file path, helping you make informed decisions.
- Simple Rule Creation: With one click, you can allow or block apps permanently or temporarily, making network management hassle-free.
- Wildcard Rules: For apps that update frequently, like browsers, you can create rules for entire folders, saving time and effort.
- UWP and Service Support: It manages rules for Windows Store apps and background services, covering all types of software.
- Audit Feature: Monitor changes to Windows Firewall rules in real-time to detect modifications by other processes.
- Light and Dark Themes: A clean, modern interface that’s easy on the eyes, whether you’re working day or night.
These features make Minimal Firewall a versatile tool for both beginners and power users who want control over their network activity.
How It Works
Minimal Firewall directly interacts with the Windows Firewall using a standard API for managing firewall rules. It listens for Event ID 5157 in the Windows Security event log to detect blocked connections efficiently, without needing custom drivers. Similarly it can be used for live traffic monitoring and tracking active TCP connections and their associated Process IDs. The audit feature is used to monitor changes to the new or modified Windows Firewall rules, ensuring you’re always aware of new rules added to the firewall.
This reliance on documented Windows APIs makes Minimal Firewall stable and secure, as it avoids tampering with lower-level Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) components, unlike some other firewall tools. It strikes a balance between the robust security of Windows Defender and the functionality of tools like Simplewall.
Why Choose Minimal Firewall?
Minimal Firewall stands out for its privacy-first approach. It doesn’t collect data, connect to external servers, or include telemetry, ensuring your rules and logs stay local on your computer. Its portable nature means you can run it from a USB drive without leaving a trace, ideal for security-conscious users. The tool also supports advanced features like trusting apps with digital certificates or whitelisting publishers, making it flexible for different use cases.
Compared to alternatives like Simplewall or Fort Firewall, Minimal Firewall offers a cleaner interface and better pop-up prompts that show critical details, such as the app’s file path, to help you decide whether to trust it.
Conclusion
Minimal Firewall is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their network security without the complexity of traditional firewall software. Its lightweight design, real-time alerts, and privacy-focused approach make it a standout choice for Windows users. Whether you’re protecting your system from malware, blocking telemetry, or simply want a user-friendly way to manage internet connections, Minimal Firewall delivers.
You can download Minimal Firewall from https://github.com/deminimis/minimalfirewall.