Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control review
A free control layer for managing Windows Defender Firewall rules and traffic.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control is a feature within the Malwarebytes app that manages Windows Defender Firewall on local devices. It is designed for individuals and small organizations that need more direct control over firewall behavior without purchasing a paid Malwarebytes subscription. The feature supports Windows 10 and 11, with controls for inbound and outbound traffic, application and service connections, and individual or all-program rules.
Its main value is the control layer it adds to Windows Firewall. Users can switch between high, medium, low, and no filtering profiles, then allow or block traffic through connection rules. Rules can be created for applications and services, while existing Windows firewall rules can be viewed, edited, or deleted. The feature also provides access to Windows Defender Firewall Advanced Security and Control Panel, keeping deeper Windows management tools available alongside the Malwarebytes interface. The published product details describe the feature as free and not separately priced.
This fits buyers who want rule-level management on individual Windows computers and need both inbound and outbound filtering. It is less suitable for teams seeking a broader firewall platform with verified integrations or central management across devices. The product’s scope remains closely tied to Windows Defender Firewall, so its appeal depends on wanting local control rather than a separate firewall system. Choose it when Windows compatibility, free access, filtering profiles, and application rules are the priorities; choose another option when centralized administration or a wider platform ecosystem matters more.
Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free access without a paid Malwarebytes subscription
- Controls inbound and outbound traffic with bidirectional rules
- Includes filtering profiles and application or service controls
- Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows 10 and 11
- Focused on local device management
- No verified integrations or central management
Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control fact sheet, pricing and score →
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