Troubleshooting
Fixes for the problems people actually run into.
Troubleshooting NetSecWall: fixes for common problems
Most NetSecWall problems are one of a handful: no internet after a block, an empty Live tab, a firewall conflict banner, a license error or lists that won't update. Start here to find the fix.
No internet after blocking something? How to get it back
Look at the status bar first. If it ends in "Block-all ON", everything is cut on purpose, so turn it off. If not, one rule is usually to blame, and the Rules tab will show it.
The Live tab is empty or shows no transfer rates
Usually a filter is still on, monitoring is paused, or the background service has stopped. Each cause leaves a visible sign in the status bar or the Live tab header, so check there first.
The "another firewall manager" and "Windows Firewall is off" banners
The amber banner means another program also manages Windows Firewall, so pick Take over or Companion mode. The red banner means Windows Firewall is off, so click Enable Windows Firewall.
License key errors and the lock screen
Every activation error says what went wrong: the key isn't recognized, it's been revoked or has expired, or the server couldn't be reached. Here's what each means and how to fix it.
GeoIP, threat or category lists aren't updating
Run Tools ▸ Feeds ▸ Update … now and watch the status line in Settings. Most failures come from a pending "Verify this PC" check, a changed source URL, or a network that blocks the download.
Performance and side effects of running NetSecWall
Monitoring is light because NetSecWall reads Windows' own network events instead of sitting in your traffic. Side effects come from blocks you make, and they're quick to trace.