TinyWall 3.4.1 – Maintenance Release

TinyWall is a free software to harden and control the advanced firewall built into modern Windows systems. Includes the features that set it apart from both commercial and freeware firewalls.

TinyWall gives Windows Firewall a sane, secure configuration and provides a simple interface to define which apps can access the network, while blocking other programs from modifying or overwriting your firewall settings.

Most firewalls follow the same interaction model: when an application tries to access the internet, they display a pop-up asking the user what to do. This approach is not only annoying but also less secure. On a typical computer, many applications attempt to connect online, leading to frequent interruptions.

Displaying a pop-up for every application increases the likelihood of unnecessary programs gaining network access, as users may grant permissions without proper consideration. This leads to what’s known as ‘security fatigue’ — where, over time, users stop verifying requests and begin blindly allowing any program that asks for internet access.

What this application does:

• It does not bother you with popups, yet it makes it incredibly easy to add exceptions to your firewall rules.
• Actively blocks hundreds of trojans, viruses, and worms.
• Does not require you to know about ports, protocols, and application details.
• Blocks malicious programs from altering Windows Firewall settings.
• Does not install drivers or other kernel components, and is free and lightweight.

TinyWall Features:

• Multiple and easy ways to whitelist programs
• Automatic learning mode
• Firewall tampering protection
• Password lockdown of settings
• Quick modes, like Normal protection, Allow outgoing, Block all, Allow all, and Learning mode
• Support for temporary/ timed firewall rules
• Port and domain blocklists
• Hosts file protection
• Option to always allow communication within the LAN
• Option to restrict an application to the LAN
• Recognition of safe software and impostors
• Full IPv6 support
• List established and blocked connections
• View open ports on your machine
• 100% free and clean software. There are no fees, no ads, and no paid upgrades.

The no-popup approach

TinyWall takes a different approach. It does not display popups that prompt users to allow access. It does not notify you of any blocked activity. Instead, TinyWall simplifies the process of whitelisting or unblocking applications through alternative methods. For example, you can initiate whitelisting with a hotkey, then click on the window you want to allow. You can also select an application directly from the list of running processes.

Of course, the traditional method of selecting an executable still works. This approach eliminates popups while keeping the firewall simple to manage. Most importantly, with the no-popup strategy, users only become aware that a program has been blocked when it fails to connect. As a result, they are more likely to unblock only the applications they use — something that strengthens overall security.