Do i need replacement for Windows 7 firewall?

Discussion in 'other firewalls' started by Peter4667, Jan 21, 2020.

  1. Peter4667

    Peter4667 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    47
    I am planing to stay on Windows 7 till 2023 when the Microsoft extended security updates will end, and i am wondering if i need to replace the Windows 7 firewall with third party firewall. I am using Malwarebytes for malware scanner instead Windows Defender, since it will not receive updates any more, but for firewall is good enough to keep the Windows 7 firewall or it's better to use third party firewall that will receive updates regularly?
     
  2. Surt

    Surt Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2019
    Posts:
    471
    Location:
    USA
    Windows Firewall is a core essential firewall, the kind that's been around since day one in firewalls. They're rules based and, with exceptions, don't receive updates other than to fix issues. WFW for 7 has been stable for a good time now.

    Your question should be, "Is there a better firewall?" There have always been better firewalls (though that field has greatly narrowed). And that goes for Windows 10.

    You might think of adding a utility that offers easier management (i.e. application click to block) and adds additional layers of protection, GlassWire:
    https://www.wilderssecurity.com/posts/2804423/
    There is a lot of misunderstanding about and, unfortunately, bias against it and I tried to clear that up in that post. Most of those security settings are what evolved into and enhanced firewall software, becoming more than mere rules based. These firewall features often require a good knowledge of things under the hood; the wrong settings could bork it all up. GlassWire makes it done with checkboxes and does its job without risk. Pricing is on the high side, but if you run the trial, you should get popups offering a discount.
    https://www.glasswire.com/features/

    Otherwise, you'll be getting more input here. Not having "shopped around" for a stand-alone (WFW replacement) in several years, I'm interested, too.

    Cheers.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2020
  3. trott3r

    trott3r Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Posts:
    1,283
    Location:
    UK
    MS security essentials is still getting updates on win7 for another three years so install that as well as Mbam
     
  4. wat0114

    wat0114 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2012
    Posts:
    4,063
    Location:
    Canada
    If all you need is inbound filtering, then Win 7 firewall is excellent.
     
  5. Brummelchen

    Brummelchen Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2009
    Posts:
    5,858
    source of that false information? Windows 8 gets extended support until 2023 - for windows 7 consumers it ended right now this month.
    nevertheless there exist a security flaw in IE (11) and if there wont be a patch for win 7 then windows is definitely vulnerable it its basic. the problem behind is that IE is only the surface of the engine and the engine is part of the system and also used by other programs. it do not need any attack on IE it only needs a prepped page for other installed programs and bang.

    to answer your question: you need a replacement for windows 7 in total.
     
  6. EASTER

    EASTER Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2007
    Posts:
    11,126
    Location:
    U.S.A. (South)
    Thank You for that @Brummelchen Frankly I had lost track of the extension for Windows 8.1 of which this camp is been happily satisfied with all 4 corners of it. Windows 7 was skipped until 8's release. Dunno why, guess I was a XP diehard :D
     
  7. Peter4667

    Peter4667 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    47
  8. Brummelchen

    Brummelchen Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2009
    Posts:
    5,858
    and which line exactly?
    "2023" was only once noted with "EndPoint Protection" and this means NOT windows.


    the headline has no space for misunderstanding:
    and "home" includes any build, home, pro, enterprise, etc if there wont be paid updates (500 clients per enterprise and more)

    Windows 7 posready, embedded and compact will receive until end of 2020/2021 but those are very special builds.
     
  9. alexandrud

    alexandrud Developer

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2011
    Posts:
    2,408
    Location:
    Romania
    If you did not need a 3rd party firewall until now for Windows 7, then you don't need one from now on either. Windows Firewall does not need new updates since it does not use any signature based algorithms for allowing or blocking purposes.
     
  10. Hiltihome

    Hiltihome Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2013
    Posts:
    1,131
    Location:
    Baden Germany
    +1
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.