Alternatives to Windows Firewall Control

A tray tool that extends Windows Firewall with outbound connection prompts and quick filtering modes. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Windows Firewall Control.

  • simplewall

    Puts a plain list of programs in front of the Windows Filtering Platform, so you decide what is allowed online.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    simplewall is an open-source GPL-3.0 allow and block list on the Windows Filtering Platform, using its own rule system rather than extending Windows Firewall.

  • TinyWall

    A free, lightweight firewall controller for Windows that works without pop-up prompts.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    TinyWall is a free Windows firewall controller with no pop-ups and no drivers, so programs must be allowed manually instead of via connection prompts.

  • Fort Firewall

    Open-source per-application firewall for Windows built on its own filtering driver.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    Fort Firewall is open source with its own filtering driver, adding wildcard and parent-process rules plus traffic statistics and bandwidth graphs.

  • Portmaster

    Shows every connection each application makes and lets you block any of them, with sensible defaults already set.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    Portmaster runs on Windows and Linux with default tracker blocking and secure DNS, but uses a kernel driver and puts history search behind payment.

  • GlassWire

    Network monitor and firewall with a visual traffic history.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsAndroid

    GlassWire is a freemium closed-source firewall and network monitor for Windows and Android with a visual traffic history, some features requiring a paid licence.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.