simplewall

You decide on Windows which programs may send or receive network traffic.

Version 3.8.7 · Open source · Windows

Looking for an alternative to simplewall?Compare Portmaster.Compare alternatives

simplewall uses Windows Filtering Platform to filter network traffic. You create rules for apps and get notifications when a program requests access. It is a separate filter tool and not a full graphical replacement of all Windows Firewall features.

Hard blocking gives you more control, but can also prevent updates, synchronization and logins. Start with programs that you recognize and check which system services are needed. A filter rule does not say anything about the reliability of the content a permitted program receives.

Which software suits you?

Compare simplewall with alternatives

For control over outgoing traffic, insight per app is important. Compare how connections are shown, how to create rules and how DNS traffic is handled. A wrong line can block synchronization or updates; make sure you can easily reverse a change.

Differences between simplewall and Portmaster
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
simplewallYou are viewing this app	You manage allowed and blocked connections on Windows via the Windows Filtering Platform features. You control app rules yourself.	WindowsOpen source
PortmasterView this alternative	You view network traffic by app and set rules and privacy filters. This combines insight into connections with possibilities to limit traffic.	Windows, LinuxFreemium

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You want to consciously allow or block network access per Windows program.

Getting started

Download through the original project repository and start with a limited set of rules. Then check that updates and your fixed apps are still working.

Privacy

You can limit unwanted connections. Allowed traffic can still send data; simplewall does not encrypt or anonymize that traffic.

Good to know

The filtering is for Windows and requires management rights. The program does not replace a full security suite.

Please note

Bad rules can block updates and network services. Make sure you know how to temporarily reverse filtering.

Advantages

Network rules per app Notifications on access requests Open Source

Things to consider

Rules demand understanding of processes Can block legitimate functions No VPN or antivirus

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Official download page

Provider’s website · github.com

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Version history

3.8.7 8 Aug 2025

You get solutions for crashes and a faster responding context menu.

simplewall 3.8.7 fixes various crash problems and improves the performance of the context menu. In addition, translations and parts of the building environment have been updated.

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Our verdict

simplewall is useful when you want to understand and limit which programs connect. The notifications and rules per app make that more concrete than just a general firewall status. Especially with a clear collection of programs you can make conscious choices.

However, a long list of notifications can tempt you to allow thoughtless. Therefore, take the time to recognize unknown processes and check if blocking affects a desired function. Do not use the tool as a replacement for updates or reliable software. For users who never want to manage rules, the built-in Windows security is often less realizable. Anyone who wants to send targeted network access gets extra control here.