How to Allow GunZ Through Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus
How To Allow Apps Through Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus
Learn how to safely allow trusted apps through Windows Defender Firewall, add Microsoft Defender exclusions, fix Virus & threat protection actions, manage real-time protection, and troubleshoot NAT type on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus Tutorials
How To Add Exclusion in Windows Defender Firewall
Watch on YouTubeFix Virus & Threat Protection “Start actions”
Watch on YouTubeTurn Virus & Threat Protection On or Off
Watch on YouTubeAllow an App Through Windows Defender Antivirus
Watch on YouTubeImportant Security Warning
Firewall rules and antivirus exclusions change how Windows protects your PC. Only allow software you recognize and trust. Adding an antivirus exclusion is not the same as adding a firewall rule, and neither should be used as a permanent way to bypass security warnings. Microsoft recommends allowing a trusted app through the firewall instead of disabling the firewall when an app is blocked.
What This Guide Covers
Use the sections below to fix common Windows Defender and Windows Security problems without blindly disabling protection.
Firewall
Allow a trusted game or program through Windows Defender Firewall.
Defender
Add a carefully selected file, folder or process exclusion when necessary.
Threat Protection
Understand Start actions and restore Microsoft Defender protection correctly.
NAT
Use the NAT tutorial to troubleshoot multiplayer connectivity and strict NAT.
Before You Change Windows Security
Understand the difference between firewall permissions and antivirus exclusions.
Windows Defender Firewall controls network connections. Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans files and processes for threats. They solve different problems, so use the smallest change that fixes the issue.
If a game launches but cannot connect, check the firewall first. If a trusted file is repeatedly detected or quarantined, review Defender's detection and consider an exclusion only when you are confident the file is safe.
Windows Defender Firewall Basics
Know what the firewall is actually controlling.
Windows Firewall filters network traffic and can allow or restrict connections based on rules such as application paths, ports and network profiles. Microsoft specifically warns that turning the firewall off can make a device more vulnerable.
Step 1. Open Firewall & network protection
How To Allow An App Through Windows Defender Firewall
The safer choice when a trusted game or program is being blocked.
Step 1. Open the allowed-app list
Step 2. Select Change settings
Choose Change settings. Windows may ask for administrator confirmation.
Step 3. Allow the trusted program
Find the application in the list, or select Allow another app and browse to the program executable. Select the network profile(s) that the app actually needs.
Step 4. Save and test
Select OK, restart the game if needed, and test the connection again.
Firewall Exclusion Tutorial
Use the video above for a visual walkthrough of the firewall process.
If your issue is that RealGunZ or another trusted game cannot communicate through Windows Firewall, start with the allowed-app method before creating custom port rules.
How To Add An Exclusion In Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Use exclusions only for trusted software that is being incorrectly detected or scanned.
Step 1. Open Virus & threat protection
Step 2. Open Manage settings
Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
Step 3. Open exclusions
Scroll to Exclusions and select Add or remove exclusions.
Step 4. Add only what you need
Select Add an exclusion and choose File, Folder, File type or Process. A narrow exclusion is preferable to excluding an entire drive or broad system location.
Which Defender Exclusion Should You Use?
Choose the narrowest option that solves the actual problem.
| Option | Use case | Security impact |
|---|---|---|
| File | A single trusted executable is incorrectly detected. | Lower scope than excluding a whole folder. |
| Folder | A trusted game installation folder repeatedly triggers scans. | All files inside the folder are affected. |
| File type | Rarely appropriate for gaming troubleshooting. | Broad impact; avoid unless you have a specific reason. |
| Process | A trusted process opens files that Defender repeatedly scans. | Can affect files opened by that process during real-time scanning. |
Fix Virus & Threat Protection “Start Actions”
Understand what Windows Security is asking you to do.
When Windows Security detects a threat or potentially unwanted application, it may show an action that requires your input. “Start actions” applies the selected action instead of leaving the detected item waiting for a decision.
Step 1. Open Current threats
Step 2. Review the detection
Read the detected item name, location and available action. Do not automatically allow an item you do not recognize.
Step 3. Apply the recommended action
Select the appropriate action and choose Start actions when Windows Security presents that button.
When “Start Actions” Does Not Work
Use safe troubleshooting before changing security policies.
Step 1. Restart Windows Security
Close Windows Security, restart Windows and check the Virus & threat protection page again.
Step 2. Install pending Windows updates
Step 3. Run a Defender scan
Use Quick scan or Scan options to verify whether the detection is still present.
Step 4. Check for another antivirus
A third-party antivirus product can change which provider is actively protecting the system. Check Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Who's protecting me?
How To Turn Off Virus & Threat Protection Temporarily
Only use this for controlled troubleshooting with trusted software.
Step 1. Open Virus & threat protection settings
Step 2. Locate Real-time protection
Use the Real-time protection toggle when you have a specific troubleshooting reason.
Step 3. Restore protection
Turn Real-time protection back On immediately after the test. Microsoft notes that real-time protection may also turn back on automatically after a short period.
How To Turn Virus & Threat Protection Back On
Restore protection after troubleshooting.
Step 1. Open Manage settings
Step 2. Enable Real-time protection
Switch Real-time protection to On.
Step 3. Verify protection status
Return to the main Virus & threat protection page and confirm that Windows Security reports active protection.
How To Allow An App Or Program Through Windows Defender Antivirus
Understand the difference between allowing a firewall app and excluding an antivirus item.
There is no single “allow this app” switch that replaces every security control. If the problem is network access, use the Firewall allowed-app list. If Microsoft Defender Antivirus is detecting a trusted file, review the detection and use a narrow exclusion only when appropriate.
How To Remove A Defender Exclusion
Clean up old exceptions when you no longer need them.
Step 1. Open exclusions
Step 2. Select the old exclusion
Choose the file, folder, file type or process that is no longer required.
Step 3. Select Remove
Removing unnecessary exclusions restores Defender's normal scanning coverage for that item.
Firewall Settings For Games Like RealGunZ
Use targeted permissions instead of disabling Windows Firewall.
Step 1. Identify the correct executable
Confirm the exact game executable you launch. Avoid allowing unknown files from temporary or download folders.
Step 2. Allow the application
Add the trusted executable to the Windows Firewall allowed-app list and select only the network profiles you actually use.
Step 3. Test multiplayer
Launch the game and test login, matchmaking, rooms or other network features.
Private vs Public Network Profiles
Choose the correct Windows Firewall network profile.
Windows Firewall treats private and public networks differently. A trusted home network is commonly configured as Private, while an untrusted network such as public Wi-Fi should normally remain Public.
| Profile | Typical situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Trusted home network | Use when you trust the local network and need private-network features. |
| Public | Hotel, café, airport or other untrusted network | Keep the stricter public profile. |
Do Not Confuse Defender With SmartScreen
Windows Security has multiple protection layers.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protect different parts of the system. A download warning or app reputation warning is not automatically a firewall problem.
TIP: How To Change NAT Type In Windows 11
Quick and easy NAT troubleshooting for online games.
NAT type is mainly determined by your router and network configuration, not by a single Windows Security option. If a game reports Strict NAT, Moderate NAT or Open NAT, the fix may involve router settings, UPnP, port forwarding, CGNAT or the network provider.
Step 1. Check your current network
Confirm whether you are using Ethernet, Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot, VPN or another connection that may affect inbound connectivity.
Step 2. Check the router
Sign in to your router and review UPnP and NAT-related settings. Do not blindly open ports; use the requirements of the specific game or service.
Step 3. Test after each change
Restart the game and router only when necessary, then verify whether NAT and multiplayer connectivity improved.
How to Change NAT Type Windows 11 | Quick & Easy
Watch the NAT tutorial on YouTubeAdvanced Firewall Rules
Use advanced rules only when an allowed-app rule is not enough.
Windows Security provides Advanced settings for inbound and outbound rules. These controls can be useful for administrators and advanced troubleshooting, but an incorrect rule can create connectivity or security problems.
Step 1. Open Advanced settings
Step 2. Use the narrowest rule
Specify the exact program, protocol, local/remote port and profile required by the application whenever possible.
Clean Up Old Firewall Rules And Exclusions
Remove temporary troubleshooting changes when the issue is solved.
Step 1. Review allowed apps
Remove permissions for programs you no longer use or do not recognize.
Step 2. Review Defender exclusions
Remove old exclusions created for testing or outdated software.
Step 3. Test normal protection
Verify that Windows Firewall is active and Microsoft Defender real-time protection is enabled.
Best Troubleshooting Order
Fix the smallest problem first.
| Problem | Start here | Avoid first |
|---|---|---|
| Game cannot connect | Firewall allowed-app list and network profile | Disabling the firewall |
| Trusted file is detected | Review detection and file source | Immediately allowing the threat |
| Defender keeps scanning a trusted folder | Narrow Defender exclusion if justified | Excluding the entire drive |
| Start actions is waiting | Review Current threats and apply an appropriate action | Blindly adding exclusions |
| Strict NAT | Check router/NAT configuration | Random port forwarding rules |
Final Security Check
Make sure the PC is working and protected after troubleshooting.
Windows Firewall: ON
Microsoft Defender Real-time protection: ON
Unknown threats: not allowed
Old exclusions: removed
Old firewall rules: removed when no longer needed
Trusted game/app: tested successfully
NAT: tested after network changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Windows Defender Firewall and antivirus questions.
Is it safer to allow an app through Windows Firewall than to open a port?
Generally yes. Microsoft describes adding an app to the allowed-app list as less risky than opening a port, although you should only allow software you trust.
Should I permanently turn off Microsoft Defender?
No. Real-time protection is a security feature and should normally remain enabled. If you temporarily disable it for troubleshooting, restore it as soon as possible.
What is a Defender exclusion?
An exclusion tells Microsoft Defender Antivirus not to check a selected file, folder, file type or process during real-time scanning. It reduces protection for that item.
Why does Windows Security show Start actions?
It can appear when Windows Security has detected a threat or potentially unwanted application and is waiting for an action to be applied.
Can I change NAT type only from Windows 11?
NAT behavior is primarily controlled by your router and network. Windows can affect connectivity, but NAT type is not simply a Windows Security setting.
Should I open ports for RealGunZ?
Not automatically. Start with the Windows Firewall allowed-app method and only use specific port rules when the game's networking requirements actually call for them.