troubleshooting
Help articles tagged “troubleshooting”.
Cut all internet access instantly with Block all outbound
Choose Protection ▸ Filtering mode ▸ Block all outbound (panic). Every program on the PC loses internet access until you switch the filtering mode back to Monitor only or Learning.
See what was blocked in the Windows firewall log
Open Protection ▸ Blocked connections (firewall log)… to see up to 300 recent blocked connections. Windows only records them after you turn on one audit setting with auditpol.
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.
Filter the Live tab to find a process, port or threat
Use the filter bar above the Live tab's list. Type a name, IP or port, or pick Trust, State, Activity or Min rate; every filter you set must match, and clearing them brings the rows back.
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Every activation error says what went wrong: the key isn't recognized, it's been revoked or has expired, or the server couldn't be reached.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.
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.
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.
Unblock an app or remove a rule
Open the Rules tab, select the app's block rule and delete it. NetSecWall removes the rule and forgets the block, so it doesn't come back the next time NetSecWall starts.
Using NetSecWall alongside another firewall manager
When another tool manages Windows Firewall, NetSecWall shows an amber banner. Take over lets NetSecWall manage the rules; Companion mode leaves blocking to the other tool.
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.
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.