Steps to Block SolidWorks in Windows Firewall
Accessing Windows Firewall Settings
Open the Control Panel: Click on the “Start” button on your taskbar or press the “Windows” key on your keyboard. Search for “Control Panel” in the search bar and click the corresponding result.
- Navigate to Windows Firewall: Within the Control Panel window, look for “System and Security” and click on it. Next, find and select “Windows Defender Firewall” from the options presented.
Creating a New Firewall Rule to Block SolidWorks
Access Advanced Settings: On the left side of the Windows Firewall page, locate and click on “Advanced settings.” This will open the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window.
Set Up a New Rule: In the left sidebar of the Advanced Security window, click on “Outbound Rules” to manage the outgoing connections from your system.
Initiate a New Rule Wizard: On the right sidebar under the “Actions” panel, click on “New Rule…” to start creating a new outbound rule.
Choose the Rule Type: In the New Outbound Rule Wizard, select the “Program” option and click “Next.” This setting will allow you to specify a particular program that you want to block from accessing the internet.
Specify the SolidWorks Program Path: Click on “This program path:” and provide the full path to the SolidWorks executable file. For example, it is typically located in
C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS.exe. After entering the path, click “Next.”Define the Action: Choose the “Block the connection” option on the next screen, then press “Next” to proceed.
Specify the Profile: You will then be prompted to select when this rule applies. Select all options (Domain, Private, and Public) to ensure that SolidWorks cannot access the internet under any network type. Click “Next.”
- Name the Rule: Provide a descriptive name for your rule, such as “Block SolidWorks Internet Access,” and add a description if desired. Click “Finish” to create the rule.
Verifying the New Rule
Check the Rule: In the Outbound Rules section, you should see the new rule listed. Make sure that it is enabled. If it’s not, right-click on the rule and select “Enable Rule.”
- Test the Configuration: To verify that the new rule is functioning correctly, launch SolidWorks and try to perform any internet-related task. The application should not be able to connect online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still use SolidWorks in offline mode after blocking internet access?
Yes, SolidWorks should function normally in offline mode, allowing you to work on local files without any internet connectivity.
2. What should I do if I need to temporarily allow SolidWorks to access the internet again?
You can simply disable the rule you created by right-clicking it in the Outbound Rules list and selecting “Disable Rule.” To revert the changes, just enable it again when necessary.
3. Will blocking SolidWorks impact any other applications?
Blocking SolidWorks through the Windows Firewall only affects that specific application. Other programs on your computer will retain internet access unless individually configured to be blocked.
