# PacketHound: Free Windows Firewall for Outbound Security

> PacketHound lets Windows 10/11 users control outbound internet connections with one click.
- Title: PacketHound: Free Windows Firewall for Outbound Security
- Summary: PacketHound lets Windows 10/11 users control outbound internet connections with one click.
- Keywords: packethound, windows firewall, outbound security, windows 10, windows 11, free software, firewall rules, malware protection
- Source: PacketHound — https://packethound.app
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: packethound, windows firewall, outbound security, windows 10, windows 11, free software, firewall rules, malware protection, technology, startups
## 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.
## Key takeaway

PacketHound is a free Windows firewall tool that asks users to allow or block apps before they connect to the internet.