🔒 Simplewall (WFP Tool): Lightweight Firewall for Enhanced Network Security - How to use it
🛡️ What is Simplewall? Simplewall is a lightweight, open-source firewall utility for Windows that leverages the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) to provide advanced control over your system's network traffic. It allows users to easily manage which applications can access the internet—without bloated features or complex configuration tools.
Whether you're aiming to improve privacy, block intrusive software, or monitor connections, Simplewall offers a clean interface and powerful filtering capabilities , all while keeping resource usage minimal.
⚙️ Key Features of Simplewall
- 🧱 WFP-Based Filtering
- Utilizes Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) at the kernel level.
- Ensures efficient and secure network filtering without third-party drivers.
- 📦 Application Control
- Easily allow or block internet access for specific apps.
- Instantly view and manage installed programs from a clean list.
- 📊 Real-Time Traffic Monitoring
- Monitor incoming & outgoing connections in real-time.
- View details like IP addresses , ports , and protocols used.
- 🖥️ Minimalist UI
- Designed for simplicity—no clutter, no distractions.
- Perfect for both beginners and advanced users.
- 📝 Custom Rule Management
- Create, edit, or delete rules based on:
- 💼 Application path
- 🌐 IP address
- 🔄 Protocol
- 🔢 Port number
- Create, edit, or delete rules based on:
- 🔔 Notifications & Logging
- Get instant alerts when an app tries to connect.
- Logs help analyze allowed/blocked activity for troubleshooting or auditing.
- 🌐 IPv6 Ready
- Fully supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.
- 💾 Portable Mode Available
- Run it directly from a USB stick—no installation required!
- Great for IT pros or multi-device use.
- 🧩 No External Dependencies
- Doesn’t require .NET Framework or other libraries.
- Lightweight and fast, even on older systems.
- 📋 Whitelist & Blacklist Support
- Set up allowlists and blocklists effortlessly.
- Manage them directly through the GUI.
- 🔄 Auto-Update Feature
- Checks for updates automatically.
- Option to manually update via the settings panel.
- 📁 Rules Import/Export
- Save your firewall rules and apply them across devices.
- Useful for backup or enterprise deployment.
- 🌍 Multi-Language Interface
- Supports multiple languages for global accessibility.
- Documentation and UI available in various languages.
- 🕳️ System Tray Integration
- Quick access via the taskbar tray icon.
- Toggle firewall status or open the app with a single click.
- 🔍 Advanced Filtering Options
- Filter by domain names, application paths, and more.
- Ideal for granular control over network behavior.
- 📈 Low Resource Usage
- Optimized to minimize CPU and memory impact.
- Efficient performance even during heavy traffic.
Simplewall - Changelog
🧰 How to Use Simplewall: Step-by-Step Guide
- 📥 Download and Install
- Download the latest release from the link below.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 🚀 Launch Simplewall
- Open the app from your desktop or Start menu.
- You may be prompted to grant firewall permissions.
- 🛠️ Initial Setup
- On first launch, select your network profile(s) :
- 🌐 Public
- 🏠 Private
- 🏢 Domain
- Click Apply to save settings.
- On first launch, select your network profile(s) :
- 👁️ Main Interface Overview
- See a list of all applications with network access.
- Right-click any app to:
- ✅ Allow
- ❌ Block
- ⏸ Temporarily Block
- ➕ Create Custom Rules
- Go to the Rules tab.
- Click the + button to add a new rule.
- Choose conditions like:
- 💼 Application path
- 🌐 IP address
- 🔢 Port or protocol
- Save and activate the rule instantly.
- 📒 Check Logs & Activity
- Switch to the Logs tab.
- Review detailed logs of all allowed or blocked connections.
- Search or filter entries for easier analysis.
- ⚙️ Configure Advanced Settings
- Navigate to the Settings tab.
- Adjust options such as:
- 📋 Logging preferences
- 🧱 Rule behaviors
- 🔄 Startup settings
- 🌍 Language selection
- 🔁 Keep It Updated
- Simplewall checks for updates automatically.
- Alternatively, check the GitHub repository manually for the latest version.
- 🗑️ Uninstall (If Needed)
- To remove Simplewall:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
- Select Simplewall and uninstall
- To remove Simplewall:
📝 Tips & Best Practices
- ⚠️ Always understand what you're blocking; misconfigurations can break app functionality.
- 📋 Regularly review logs to spot suspicious behavior.
- 💾 Export rules before major system changes for easy restore.
- 🧪 Test configurations in a safe environment before deploying widely.
🧑💻 Final Thoughts
Simplewall is a powerful yet simple firewall tool perfect for users who want full control over their network without unnecessary complexity. Whether you're securing your personal PC or managing network access across multiple systems, this WFP-based firewall delivers robust protection with minimal overhead.