How to block all apps unless specifically allowed with new firewall?

[tjp63]

I'm using McAfee's Total Protection on Windows 10 Home with the latest updates. The version of Total Protection is:

McAfee® Total Protection

Version:

1.7.222

Release Name:

16.0 R107

McAfee recently completely revamped the firewall, now focusing only on outgoing access. No issues with that per se, but where are all the settings for app access? Are there any anymore?

In the past, I used Stealth and blocked access to all programs. Then, when some program wanted to access the Internet, a pop-up appeared, and I could block it, allow it access once, or allow it access always. In the case of programs I was trying out, I gave access once. In the case of programs I use all the time (browser, Outlook, the usual), I gave access always. The best thing was that when some program had been updated, McAfee informed that I have allowed it access before, but it has recently been changed, and asked if I want to continue giving that app access. If I had updated it myself, or knew an automatic update had taken place, I have permission. If not, I knew something might be up. This was brilliant.

Now, I can't find a way a setting for that. This new firewall seems to have no settings, at all. There's "Allow & Block Connections", and I can see it has blocked three connections by one app, and I could allow those IP's, but there's nothing on the "Allowed Connections". Apparently that list gets items only if you allow something that's already been blocked?

Basically, I want to block outgoing access to all programs unless I specifically allow them, and then ask me again if that program is changed. I don't want any program to "call home" unless I have specifically allowed it to do so. This used to be a simple option, but with this "Advanced Firewall", is that really impossible now? Are all the other settings, like blocking all traffic and turning "smart advice" off and all those other things also out of the picture? All the lists of allowed apps, what ports they were able to use, and whether you approved "incoming only" connections and so on, can they all really be gone, or have I accidentally switched Total Protection to some "beginner/simple mode"?

[Hari_durairaj]

Hi @tjp63 

We regret for the inconvenience!

I have sent a personal message. Kindly revert back with the requested details to assist you further.

Alternatively, You can always contact the chat support using below link for immediate assistance.

McAfee Support

Regards,
Hari Durairaj

[CrystalHafley]

With the new version of McAfee Total Protection, it's true that some settings might have changed or become less obvious, but don't worry, I'll guide you through the process to achieve your desired level of control.

1. Open McAfee Total Protection.

2. Click on the "Settings" (gear icon) in the upper-right corner.

3. Choose "Firewall" from the list on the left-hand side.

4. In the Firewall settings, look for "Advanced Settings" and click on it.

5. You should now see a list of "Allowed" and "Blocked" applications.

6. To block all apps by default, click on the "Block All Applications" button. This will block all applications from accessing the internet unless specifically allowed.

7. To allow a specific application, click on the "Add" button under the "Allowed" section. This will open a new window where you can browse for the desired application's executable file.

8. After selecting the application, you can set the desired access permissions (e.g., "Allow Outgoing" and/or "Allow Incoming"). Click "Save" to add the application to the allowed list.

9. Repeat steps 7-8 for any other applications you wish to allow.

Unfortunately, as you mentioned in the previous version, the new firewall might not have the feature to automatically prompt you when an allowed application is updated. However, you can periodically check the "Allowed" list and remove or modify permissions for applications that you believe have been updated or changed.

I hope this helps you regain control over your firewall settings and achieve the security level you seek. If you still have concerns, consider contacting McAfee's customer support for further assistance with their product.

Thanks & Regards,

Ashfaq Ahmed

Assistant Manager Brand Critica Troubleshooting Team

[tjp63]

Thanks. I contacted McAfee's chat support where the only suggestion was to reinstall McAfee. I did that, and now I have all the firewall controls back, but this was a downgrade. The version I had was 16.0 R107. The one that was installed after downloading the setup file is 16.0 R51. As far as I can tell, the versions starting with R100 are the new ones, and the double-digit ones are the old ones. I now have the app boost and other features taken away from the new version, so I think I'll lose the current firewall settings once McAfee does an automatic update.

As for that R107 version, there was no gear icon in the upper right corner, only one in the lower left (as there is with R51). When I clicked that, there were only "General Settings" (plenty of other settings in R51). The Firewall in R107 has only "Allow or block connections", no settings for applications. There also didn't seem to be any settings for ports (or anything else, for that matter).

Since you seem to have these settings, can I ask what version of Total Protection you have? McAfee doesn't appear to offer these updates to everyone at the same time, but in stages, so maybe my version R107 was some "in-between" version, and a newer one has the controls restored?

[Srfnken]

There are no settings like this in the new firewall version.  There is no way to block any specific apps from accessing the internet

[cyberdude]

hello,

yesterday there was a posting from mcafee mod that version 16.0.108 is released.

with this version it will bring back Firewall settings.

the posting can be found here at end of topic;

https://forums.mcafee.com/t5/Firewall/Firewall-Release-Name-16-0-R107-settings-for-blocked-programs/...

so kindly wait for the new update and check

[tjp63]

That's great news. The "advanced firewall" in R107 was basically useless and apparently did nothing except prevent some connections that McAfee deemed risky for some reason (you could later allow them, but it seems only after McAfee had blocked them once). The firewall is a deal-breaker for me since it's arguably the most important feature, but other than that, I found R107 to be more responsive and reliable than the previous versions, and I do like McAfee's Android app and the price, so hopefully they'll get back on track with R108.

Many thanks for the info.

[Dasi]

Hi

I have the same problem. I cannot block programs from accessing the internet.

I need a download link for the version 16.0 R108 or other that works

Thanks