How to Backup and Restore All Windows Firewall Settings

1. Open the Control Panel (Icons View) in Vista/Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, and click/tap on the Windows Firewallicon.

2. In the left pane, click/tap on Advanced settings. (see screenshot below)

3. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

4. Do step 5 or step 6 below for what you would like to do. 


5. To Export (backup) All Windows Firewall Settings

A) Either click/tap on Action (menu bar) and Export Policy, or click/tap on Export Policy in the right Actions pane. (see screenshot below step 7)

B) Navigate to where you want to export and save the .wfw file to, type in a name (ex: WindowsFirewallSettingsBackup), and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)

C) Click/tap on OK, and go to step step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

6. To Import (restore) All Windows Firewall Settings

A) Either click/tap on Action (menu bar) and Import Policy, or click/tap on Import Policy in the right Actions pane. (see screenshot below step 7)

B) Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)

C) Navigate to where you saved the .wfw file at from step 5, select the .wfw file (ex: WindowsFirewallSettingsBackup.wfw), and click/tap on Open. (see screenshot below)

D) Click/tap on OK, and go to step step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

7. When finished, you can close Window Firewall with Advanced Security if you like.