Simplewall: The Free Firewall Solution for Windows Servers

Introduction to Simplewall

Simplewall is a free, open-source firewall tailored for Windows operating systems, designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its primary function is to simplify the management and configuration of firewall settings. This article offers a detailed guide on how to effectively utilize Simplewall within a Windows Server environment, ensuring robust security for your system.

Downloading Simplewall for Windows Server

While Simplewall is generally available for Windows, it does not explicitly mention compatibility with Windows Server. However, users can download the application without any issues. To start, visit the official Simplewall website.

Once there, scroll down to the "Download" section and select the setup EXE version. This version allows for a straightforward installation directly onto your Windows system, as opposed to using a portable EXE version.

If you prefer a portable solution, you can opt for the “bin” ZIP archive, which contains all necessary files to run Simplewall without a full installation.

Installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

Before you can successfully run Simplewall on Windows Server, it’s essential to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
2. Click on “Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022” from the options presented.
3. Download the version that corresponds to your CPU architecture (ARM64, x86, or x64).
4. After the download completes, locate it in your "Downloads" folder and proceed to install the Redistributable on your Windows Server.

How to Install Simplewall on Windows Server

Follow these steps to install Simplewall:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the "Downloads" folder where the Simplewall EXE file is located.
2. Double-click the Simplewall EXE file to initiate the installation.
3. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to complete the setup. Once installed, you can access Simplewall from the Start menu.

Configuring Simplewall on Windows Server

Start by configuring Simplewall for automatic launch on system boot. Open the application, click on the “Settings” menu, and enable the “Load on system startup” option. This ensures that Simplewall initializes when you log into the Windows Server.

Simplewall employs a "block everything by default" method, which significantly enhances security against unwanted traffic. However, this also necessitates manual whitelisting of applications that require internet access.

Whitelisting Applications

To allow an application through the firewall:

1. Click on the “File” menu.
2. Select “Add app” and browse for the application you wish to whitelist in the pop-up window.
3. Initially, the application will be listed under “Apps without Internet access.” Right-click on it and choose the “Enable selected” option to grant it internet connectivity.

Backing Up Your Simplewall Profile

For users operating Simplewall on multiple Windows Server machines, creating a backup of your configuration is advisable. Here’s how to do this efficiently:

1. Select the “File” menu.
2. Click the “Export” button and save your current configuration as an XML file in a secure location.

Restoring Your Simplewall Profile

If you need to restore a previously backed-up profile, follow these simple steps:

1. Access the “File” menu again.
2. Click on the “Import” button and locate the saved Simplewall XML file on your system to restore your settings.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can efficiently set up and manage Simplewall on your Windows Server, ensuring both ease of use and heightened security for your network environment.

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