SimpleWall: Because Windows Filtering Platform Deserves a Better Front-End
If you’ve ever tried to tame Windows Firewall manually, you know it’s… not pleasant. Hidden rules, unclear priorities, and outbound traffic that somehow always finds a way through.
SimpleWall doesn’t replace the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) — it gives it a brain. And more importantly, it gives you a switchboard. One that actually shows what’s trying to talk on the wire — with options to block, allow, or silence it immediately.
Free, open-source, and zero bloat. No background services, no auto-updates, no cloud backend. Just a lightweight, local controller for your outbound and inbound traffic.
What It Gives You (That Windows Doesn’t)
| Feature | Practical Benefit |
| Real-time connection alerts | See every new process reaching out — block or allow immediately |
| Manual rule editing | White-/blacklist apps, services, protocols with precision |
| Full outbound filtering | Default-deny mode available — no app gets out without your say-so |
| System services control | Disable Windows telemetry, Cortana, or other chatty subsystems |
| Portable version | No install needed — run it from a flash drive if needed |
| Minimal resource use | Doesn’t rely on .NET, doesn’t stay resident in memory when off |
| WFP-native rules | Directly applies to Windows Filtering Platform, nothing extra added |
When It’s the Right Tool
– You’re locking down a hardened endpoint or audit environment
– You want to see what processes are calling out — not just trust the OS
– You’ve tried managing WF via PowerShell and hated it
– You want portable control over network behavior without bloated software
– You need better per-process filtering than built-in options allow
System Requirements and Tech Notes
| Component | Details |
| OS | Windows 8, 10, 11 (WFP-capable platforms) |
| Admin Rights | Required for rule editing and service-level access |
| Architecture | x64 and x86 binaries available |
| Dependencies | None — no .NET, Java, or external libraries required |
| Memory Footprint | Minimal — under 30MB even under heavy use |
Quick Start: Default-Deny Mode in Minutes
- Download and run
Grab from the official site or GitHub — choose portable if needed.2. Enable filtering
First launch shows you an option to start filtering — default is allow all.3. Switch to default deny
Flip the mode to “block all except rules” — you’ll be prompted on each new connection.4. Start approving apps
Every process that touches the network gets a prompt — allow once, always, or never.5. Fine-tune or export config
Rulesets are stored in flat files — easy to back up or apply across machines.
Strengths and Caveats
Where it excels:
– No-nonsense interface — clean, compact, functional
– Great for outbound monitoring and containment
– Works without cluttering the system with background services
– Perfect for semi-technical users who want control but not complexity
Where it stops short:
– No per-connection graphs or analytics — not a net monitor
– Doesn’t replace antivirus, HIPS, or DPI tools
– Alerts can be frequent during first-time use
– No auto-learning or cloud reputation — you decide everything
Final Verdict
SimpleWall is what Windows Firewall should’ve been from the beginning: user-facing, predictable, and actually usable. It doesn’t try to be flashy, but it does exactly what most admins need — stop unknown traffic cold and let you decide what goes out.
If you’ve ever watched Task Manager and thought “Wait, why is that process online?” — this tool is the answer.
