STIGhubSTIGhub
STIGsRMF ControlsCompare
STIGhub— A free STIG search and compliance tool·STIGs updated 3 days ago
Powered by Pylon·Privacy·Terms·© 2026 Beacon Cloud Solutions, Inc.
← Back to Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-241990

CAT II (Medium)

Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security must be enabled when connected to a private network.

Rule ID

SV-241990r922930_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R2

CCIs

CCI-001414

Discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. This setting enables the firewall when connected to a private network.

Check Content

If the following policy-based registry value exists and is not configured as specified, this is a finding.

Registry Hive:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path:  \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\PrivateProfile\

Value Name:  EnableFirewall

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00000001 (1)

If the policy-based registry value does not exist, verify the following registry value. If it is not configured as specified, this is a finding.

Registry Hive:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path:  \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\

Value Name:  EnableFirewall

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00000001 (1)

Fix Text

The preferred method of configuring the firewall settings is with a policy, particularly in a domain environment.

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Windows Defender Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) >> Private Profile tab >> State, "Firewall state" to "On (recommended)".

In addition to using policies, systems may also be configured using the firewall GUI or Netsh commands. These methods may be more appropriate for standalone systems.

The configuration settings in the GUI are the same as those specified in the policy above. Microsoft Defender Firewall Properties will be a link in the center pane after opening Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

The following Netsh commands may also be used to configure this setting:

"Netsh advfirewall set privateprofile state on".
or
"Netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on".