ByWindows 11 is a cutting-edge operating system that offers users a lot of control and customization options. Sometimes we need to block internet access for certain apps—whether it’s to save data, for privacy, or to keep a particular app offline. In this article, we will explain in detail how to block internet access for any application in Windows 11, that too in completely safe and easy ways.
Benefits of Blocking Internet Access in Windows 11
Saving data consumption: By blocking apps that consume data in the background, you can reduce internet costs.
Privacy protection: Some apps may send user data, and by blocking them, you can maintain privacy.
Increase in focus: By blocking unnecessary apps, you can keep your focus while gaming or working.
Block Internet Access of Apps Using a Firewall
1. Open Windows Defender Firewall
Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start Menu and press Enter.
Now, click “Advanced settings” on the left side.
2. Create Outbound Rules
When Advanced Settings opens, click “Outbound Rules” on the left side.
Click “New Rule” on the right side.
3. Select Rule Type
Select Program and click Next.
4. Select App Path
Enter the path of the .exe file of the app you want to block from the Internet.
Example: `C:\Program Files\example\app.exe`
5. Select Action
Select the “Block the connection” option and click Next.
6. Select Profile
Select all three profiles—Domain, Private, Public—and click Next.
7. Name the Rule
Name this rule with any name like “Block Internet – AppName” and click on Finish.
Now your app is completely cut off from the internet.
Create Inbound Rules through Firewall (if required)
If the app receives incoming connections, then create an Inbound Rule in the same way.
This will prevent the app from sending or receiving data.
Block the Internet using Third-Party Software
1. NetLimiter
NetLimiter is a popular tool that helps monitor and control network traffic.
Install it and select the app you want to block.
Set both Download and Upload to 0 KBps.
2. SimpleWall
This is a lightweight and open-source firewall tool.
SimpleWall has a checkbox interface to allow or block apps.
Blocking and unblocking the internet is very easy in it.
Block Internet Access Using the Hosts File (for Web-Based Apps)
Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts in Notepad in Administrator Mode.
Add the name of the website used by that app:
“`
127.0.0.1 www.example.com
“`
Save and restart Windows.
> Note: This method only blocks web-based URLs, not every app.
Using the Group Policy Editor (for Windows Pro and Enterprise versions)
Press Windows Key + R and type gpedit.msc, then press Enter.
Go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
From here, you can manage rules as you would in a firewall.
Enable Data Saver Mode
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
Turn on “Set as metered connection”.
This will allow Windows 11 to automatically block internet consumption by background apps.
Modify App Permissions (for UWP Apps)
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
Click on the app you want to block and select Advanced Options.
Turn off App Permissions > Background Data.
Block with PowerShell Commands too
If you are an advanced user, you can also block internet access for apps with the help of PowerShell:
“`powershell
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “Block AppName” -Direction Outbound -Program “C:\Path\to\app.exe” -Action Block
“`
This is a powerful method that also supports automation through scripting.
How to check after Internet Access is blocked?
Open the app and see if it is connecting to the internet or not.
You can also check if the app is sending data from the Network tab in Windows Task Manager.
You can also track live data from Resource Monitor > Network.
Conclusion
Blocking an app’s internet access in Windows 11 is pretty easy, you just need to decide what level of control you want—Firewall, Third-Party Tool, or Advanced Settings. All of these methods can help you if you want to improve internet consumption, privacy, or performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to block internet access of apps in Windows 11
Question 1: Can internet access be blocked in Windows 11 without third-party software?
Answer: Yes, you can easily block internet access of any app using Windows Defender Firewall.
Question 2: Does an app blocked by a Firewall get completely cut off from the internet?
Answer: If you have created Outbound and Inbound Rules correctly, then that app will not be able to connect to the internet at all.
Question 3: What can I do if I want to give internet access back later?
Answer: You can disable or delete the rule created in the Firewall. This will allow the app to connect to the internet again.
Question 4: Does this method also work to block games or cracked software from the Internet?
Answer: Yes, this method works for any type of application or game, provided you have selected the correct `.exe` path.
Question 5: Does Group Policy Editor work in Windows 11 Home edition?
Answer: No, Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions. In Home Edition, you must use a Firewall or third-party software.
Question 6: Is there any free tool to block Internet access through the GUI?
Answer: Yes, SimpleWall is a free and open-source tool that helps block apps through a user-friendly interface.
Question 7: What can you do if an app escapes the Firewall?
Answer: In such cases, you can use advanced third-party tools like NetLimiter or create rules via PowerShell so that no app can escape.
Question 8: Can blocked apps send data in the background?
Answer: If the Firewall Rule is implemented properly, then that app will not be able to use the internet even in the background.
