Most of the programs that we download to our mobile require an Internet connection to function, without which it is not possible for them to function since they completely depend on content that is hosted on servers. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter) with some examples.
However, if we talk about desktop operating systems, whether Windows, macOS or any Linux distribution, the operation is completely the other way around, since most of the applications we install work independently without the need for an Internet connection. Obviously, we can’t talk about multiplayer games or web browsers here, since without the Internet they can’t do anything.
Windows includes a large number of security measures that work in the background to analyze the proper functioning of applications, from the implementation of digital signatures that certify that the application has been created by a registered developer, to the function responsible for informing the user when an application requests permission to connect to the Internet and which is known as a firewall.
This is one of the security functions that we should never ignore, as it can put the security of our data at risk and an application that we have installed requests permission to connect to the Internet when it is not initially necessary to function, as it can use it to send personal data extracted from our computer to external servers.
How to prevent any Windows program from connecting to the Internet
Whether we have doubts about any of the programs that we have installed in the past or if we want to establish a series of limitations on the programs that we have on the computer so that they do not connect to the Internet, below we show you different ways to do it .
Windows firewall
The Windows Firewall is the native security method of the Microsoft operating system that allows us to allow or prevent an application from connecting to the Internet. When we install a new application and it needs an Internet connection, it displays a message inviting us to grant it permission.
If we want to revoke permissions, we must access the firewall from the Windows search box with the term “firewall” without the quotes and select the first option. Then, in the window that appears, click on Allow an application or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Next, a list will be displayed with all the applications that have permissions to access the Internet through the Firewall. We must search for the name of the program and uncheck the Private and Public box by previously clicking on the Change settings button. Once we have unchecked the boxes, click on Accept and restart the PC.
TinyWall
The Windows firewall is not intuitive to use, so many users may not know how to interact with it. Fortunately, there are simpler solutions on the market, with TinyWall being one example.
TinyWall is a simple application that takes up very little space and its only function is to allow or block applications installed on Windows from accessing the Internet. Unlike other applications that have problems with the native Windows firewall, with TinyWall we will not have that problem.
To use TinyWall to block Internet access for applications on Windows, the first thing we must do is download this free application from your Web page. Next, we install the application (you need to have administrator permissions).
Once installed, we run the application and from the Program Exceptions tab, click on Add program. A new window will appear where we must choose the application file and where we can limit network access.
GlassWire
Another alternative that we can also use to block Internet access for programs installed in Windows is GlassWire. It is an application that we can download from here and that, in addition to controlling which applications have access to the Internet, also allows us to monitor network activity.
The free version of the application allows us to block any application we want and its operation is very simple. Once we have downloaded the application, when we start it the main page will be displayed.
Next, we need to open the application we want to block and return to the application. All the applications we have open will be displayed on the main page. To remove Internet access from a particular application, we select it from the list and click on Click to block, an option available in the Firewall mode section.
