Firewall App Blocker (FAB) v1.9

What is Firewall App Blocker

Firewall App Blocker is a portable utility for Windows designed to simplify managing application-access rules in the built-in Windows Firewall. Instead of navigating through the complex Control Panel or advanced firewall settings, FAB gives you a simple drag-and-drop interface to block or allow apps from using the network.

Key Features in Version 1.9

• Drag-and-drop interface: Drop an executable into the FAB window to block it.

• Browse option: Manually select any application to block.

• WhiteList Mode: When enabled, everything is blocked except the apps you explicitly allow.

• Inbound and Outbound rules: Easily manage both directions of traffic.

• Context menu integration: Adds “Block/Unblock with FAB” to the right-click menu for quick access.

• Command-line support: Allows automation, scripting, or use with Task Scheduler.

• Multi-language support: Available in many languages.

How it Works

1. Run the portable FAB executable.

2. To block an app: drag its executable into the FAB window or browse to locate it.

3. FAB automatically creates firewall rules (inbound/outbound) to block the app’s network access.

4. To allow the app again: right-click its entry and choose “Allow” or delete the rule.

5. If WhiteList Mode is enabled, all apps are blocked by default. You must manually allow the ones you need. Local devices (like printers) may also be blocked unless you check “Allow Local Subnet.”

Pros

• Easy to use compared to Windows Firewall’s advanced UI.

• Portable — no installation required.

• Flexible — supports inbound/outbound rules, whitelist mode, Explorer context menu, and scripting.

• Tight control — whitelist mode makes it possible to lock down network access completely.

Cons / Caveats

• WhiteList Mode can break Windows services, updates, or local network devices if not configured carefully.

• Requires Windows Firewall to be enabled; other security suites may interfere.

• Managing a large number of rules can become cluttered.

• Some apps spawn child processes or use dynamic executables, which may bypass simple blocking.

• Requires administrator privileges to add or remove rules.

Use Cases

• Blocking apps from auto-updating or phoning home.

• Restricting untrusted software from accessing the Internet.

• School, office, or lab environments where only certain apps should have online access.

• Creating a secure setup by allowing only approved apps through the firewall.