What are the default firewall settings on Windows Server?

Windows Server comes with Windows Defender Firewall enabled by default across all network profiles, following a "block inbound by default, allow outbound" security model. This configuration blocks unsolicited incoming connections while permitting most outbound traffic unless explicitly restricted.​

Direct Answer

Windows Defender Firewall is enabled by default on Domain, Private, and Public profiles with these core settings:

- Inbound connections: Blocked unless explicitly allowed by a rule.

- Outbound connections: Allowed unless blocked by a rule.

- Key preconfigured rules: Enable essential services like file/printer sharing (Private/Domain only), Remote Desktop (limited), and core OS services.

- Profiles: Domain (active on domain-joined networks), Private (home/office), Public (untrusted networks) – all start with firewall ON.

- Access method: Windows Firewall with Advanced Security MMC snap-in for full control.

These defaults secure servers for most scenarios without custom tweaks.​

Firewall Profiles Overview

Windows Server firewall operates across three profiles, each tailored to network types. The Domain profile activates on domain-joined networks, Private for trusted internal setups, and Public for external/untrusted connections. All profiles have the firewall enabled out-of-the-box, blocking inbound traffic except for allow-listed rules.​

Active rules (green checkmarks in the console) permit critical functions:

- File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In, TCP 445) on Domain/Private.

- Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI-In) for admin tools.

- Network Discovery for local network visibility.

Inactive rules (grayed out) await enabling, like certain Remote Assistance options. This "deny before allow" principle ensures minimal exposure.​

Inbound vs Outbound Rules

Inbound rules default to block all unsolicited traffic, a key security feature preventing lateral attacks or unauthorized access. Exceptions exist for:

- DHCP (UDP 67/68) for IP assignment.

- DNS (UDP/TCP 53).

- ICMP echo for ping diagnostics.

Outbound rules default to allow all, reflecting typical server behavior where servers initiate connections (e.g., updates, backups). No major blocks apply unless customized via Group Policy.​

Use the Advanced Security console (wf.msc) to view: Inbound rules show ~150 defaults, outbound far fewer. Profiles inherit rules but apply based on detection.​

Accessing and Verifying Defaults

Launch via Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, or run wf.msc. The overview pane displays per-profile status (all green/ON by default). Restore defaults anytime via "Restore default policy" – resets to factory state without data loss.​​

PowerShell verification:

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Get-NetFirewallProfile | Select Name, Enabled

Returns True for all profiles. Logs default to minimal; enable via Properties > Logging for dropped packets.​

Cyfuture Cloud Integration

Cyfuture Cloud enhances Windows Server security with managed firewall overlays on hosted instances. Default Windows settings pair seamlessly with Cyfuture's NSX-based network firewalls, auto-configuring rules for RDP (3389), HTTP/HTTPS (80/443), and SQL (1433) on new deployments. Admins access via Cyfuture Console for one-click profile tweaks without touching host OS defaults.

Cyfuture pre-enables secure baselines: Inbound blocks except whitelisted ports, outbound unrestricted, plus DDoS protection. Migrate servers effortlessly – Cyfuture snapshots preserve Windows defaults while adding cloud-native rules like auto-scaling listener ports. context]

Best Practices on Cyfuture Cloud

Retain defaults for compliance; they're Microsoft-vetted for enterprise use. On Cyfuture:

- Enable logging for audits (dropped packets to %systemroot%\system32\LogFiles\Firewall\pfirewall.log).

- Use Group Policy for fleets: Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall.

- Test rules: Test-NetConnection -ComputerName localhost -Port 3389.

Cyfuture's dashboard visualizes traffic, alerting on anomalies beyond Windows defaults. Pair with Cyfuture SIEM for unified logs across hybrid setups.​

Advanced Rule Details

Defaults include service-hardening rules for RPC (135) and Edge Traversal for NAT scenarios. No IPv6 blocks by default – dual-stack ready. Core rules table:

Conclusion

Default Windows Server firewall settings provide robust, out-of-box protection by blocking inbound threats while allowing essential outbound flows across Domain, Private, and Public profiles. On Cyfuture Cloud, these integrate with advanced network security for scalable, hands-off management – ideal for Delhi-based enterprises needing compliant hosting. Customize sparingly; defaults suffice for 90% of workloads, minimizing attack surface.​

Follow-up Questions

Q1: How do I open RDP port by default?
A: In wf.msc, Inbound Rules > Find "Remote Desktop" > Enable for desired profiles. Cyfuture auto-opens on VPS spins.​

Q2: Can I disable firewall entirely?
A: Not recommended – use Set-NetFirewallProfile -Enabled False temporarily. Cyfuture advises host-level controls instead.​

Q3: Differences in Windows Server 2022 vs 2019?
A: Minimal; 2022 adds Defender integration but identical defaults. Both block inbound by default.

Q4: Group Policy impact on defaults?
A: GPO overrides local settings; enforce via OU for Cyfuture fleets.​