Real GunZ Guide

How to Allow Apps Through Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus in Windows 10

REALGUNZ WINDOWS SECURITY GUIDE

How To Allow Apps Through Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus in Windows 10

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 10.

Important 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 on Windows 10 without blindly disabling protection.

Firewall

Allow a trusted game or program through Windows Defender Firewall on Windows 10.

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.

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Video Tutorial (Windows 10)

Watch the step-by-step walkthrough on this page.

What the featured walkthrough covers The featured video walks through allowing an app through the Windows 10 firewall from Windows Security, since Windows 10's built-in firewall blocks new connections by default until you approve them. It shows opening Firewall & network protection, using "Allow an app through firewall," switching to edit mode with "Change settings," and ticking the correct Private and/or Public network profile for the app before saving. Follow along with the numbered steps below if you'd rather read each click.

Before You Change Windows Security

Understand the difference between firewall permissions and antivirus exclusions on Windows 10.

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.

Best practice Keep Windows Firewall and Microsoft Defender enabled unless a specific troubleshooting step requires a temporary change.

Windows Defender Firewall Basics On Windows 10

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

Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection

Do not disable the entire firewall just because one game is blocked. Use an allowed-app rule when that is enough.

How To Allow An App Through Windows Defender Firewall (Windows 10)

The safer choice when a trusted game or program is being blocked.

Step 1. Open the allowed-app list

Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall

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.

Security tip Allow only applications you recognize. Microsoft says adding an app to the allowed list is generally less risky than opening a port.

Firewall Exclusion Tutorial (Windows 10)

Use the video tutorial above for a visual walkthrough of the firewall process.

If your issue is that RealGunZ or another trusted game cannot communicate through Windows Firewall on Windows 10, start with the allowed-app method before creating custom port rules.

Recommended order Check the app's allowed status → check the correct network profile → test the game → only then consider advanced firewall rules.

How To Add An Exclusion In Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows 10)

Use exclusions only for trusted software that is being incorrectly detected or scanned.

Step 1. Open Virus & threat protection

Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → 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.

Important Microsoft warns that exclusions reduce Defender's protection for the excluded item. Never exclude unknown executables simply because an online guide tells you to.

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.

Best choice When possible, prefer a specific trusted file or a narrowly scoped folder over a broad file-type exclusion.

Fix Virus & Threat Protection “Start Actions” On Windows 10

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

Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → 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.

If the item is unknown Keep it blocked or quarantined and investigate it before adding exclusions or allowing it to run.

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

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for 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 (Windows 10)

Only use this for controlled troubleshooting with trusted software.

Step 1. Open Virus & threat protection settings

Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage 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.

Never treat this as a permanent gaming optimization. Turning protection off can leave files you open or download unscanned and can increase security risk.

How To Turn Virus & Threat Protection Back On (Windows 10)

Restore protection after troubleshooting.

Step 1. Open Manage settings

Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → 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 (Windows 10)

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.

Remember Firewall permission controls network communication. Defender exclusions affect antivirus real-time scanning. They are separate settings.

How To Remove A Defender Exclusion

Clean up old exceptions when you no longer need them.

Step 1. Open exclusions

Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Add or remove 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 On Windows 10

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.

Do not open random ports. Microsoft states that opening a port is generally more risky than adding a trusted app to the allowed-app list.

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.

Do not disable multiple security layers just to make one program launch. Identify which component is actually blocking the program and change only that component when you have verified the software is trustworthy.

TIP: How To Change NAT Type In Windows 10

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 in Windows 10 | Quick & Easy

Watch the NAT tutorial on YouTube

Advanced 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

Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Advanced settings

Step 2. Use the narrowest rule

Specify the exact program, protocol, local/remote port and profile required by the application whenever possible.

Do not copy random firewall commands from the internet. If you do not understand a rule, do not deploy it on a production or personal machine.

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.

Final checklist
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 (Windows 10)

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 10?

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 on Windows 10?

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.

Where do I find Windows Security on Windows 10?

Go to Start, then Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Security. This differs from Windows 11, where the same app lives under Privacy & security.

Does Windows 10 still get Microsoft Defender updates?

Yes, supported Windows 10 versions continue to receive Microsoft Defender Antivirus definition updates, separate from the overall Windows 10 end-of-support timeline.

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