From PacketHound · · 1m 30s
PacketHound: Free Windows Firewall for Outbound Security
PacketHound lets Windows 10/11 users control outbound internet connections with one click.
In brief
PacketHound lets Windows 10/11 users control outbound internet connections with one click. PacketHound is a free Windows firewall tool that asks users to allow or block apps before they connect to the internet. Originally reported by PacketHound.
Quick answers
- What is PacketHound?
- PacketHound is a free outbound firewall for Windows 10 and 11 that shows apps trying to connect to the internet.
- What is the key takeaway from PacketHound: Free Windows Firewall for Outbound Security?
- PacketHound is a free Windows firewall tool that asks users to allow or block apps before they connect to the internet.
What is PacketHound?
PacketHound is a free outbound firewall for Windows 10 and 11 that shows apps trying to connect to the internet.
How it works
It asks users to allow or block apps before they connect to the internet, remembering decisions for future use.
Key features
PacketHound turns Windows Firewall into an 'ask me first' firewall for outgoing connections without extra questions.
Why it's hard to fool
Malware cannot bypass PacketHound even if it copies into System32 or uses Windows tools like PowerShell.
Rules management
Users can flip apps between allow and block with one switch, search, sort, and see when decisions were made.
Activity log
The activity log shows blocked attempts with hostnames, ports, and what happened next after blocking.
Privacy and security
PacketHound does not collect data, has no analytics, and only performs normal DNS lookups to show domain names.
Installation and use
PacketHound installs in the notification area, runs without background services, and works with Windows Firewall.
Troubleshooting
Users can pause protection for 5 minutes, 15 minutes, an hour, or until they turn it back on.
Why it's free
PacketHound has no trial, no account, no ads, and is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.
What it means
PacketHound is a free Windows firewall tool that asks users to allow or block apps before they connect to the internet.
