Windows Firewall can’t change some of your settings [FIX]

net start mpssvc
regsvr32 firewallapi.dll
When done, close the cmd window and restart your computer.
4. Configure Background Intelligence Transfer Service
- Bring back the Services window as explained during the first method from this tutorial.
- Scroll down and find the Background Intelligent Transfer Service entry.
- If this feature is disabled, double-click on it and from properties go to General tab and modify the Startup type to Manual.
- Then, click on the Start button beneath Service Status.
- Apply these new settings.
- Restart your Windows 10 system.
5. Disable third-party antivirus software
In some situations Windows Defender might not run properly if another third-party antivirus program is installed. Well, such conflicts between built-in and third-party programs might cause the Windows Firewall malfunction.
So, for trying to fix the issues and get rid of the ‘Windows Firewall can’t change some of your settings’ error message you should disable these third-party antivirus software.
You can choose to temporarily disable them, or to uninstall the programs completely. If afterwards the Firewall will work correctly, it means that you found the problem.
If not, you should disable Windows Defender and reinstall your third-party antivirus program as your Windows 10 system might be infected with a virus or a malware.
Keep in mind that not all antivirus software are compatible with Windows 10. Check out this list of the best antivirus tools compatible with Windows 10.
6. Run a security scan and remove the infected files
- Press the Win+R keyboard hotkeys.
- In the Run box type msconfig and press Enter.
- From System Configuration switch to Boot tab.
- Under Boot Options select the Safe Boot checkbox.
- Also, select the Network option from beneath.
- Save your changes when done and reboot your computer.
- In safe mode launch the antivirus program and initiate a full scan.
- In the end complete the removal process – reinitiate a scan for ensuring that all infected files were successfully deleted.
If you cannot fix the issue with the help of the already explained guidelines, you should consider in initiating a security scan on your Windows 10 device.
You need to do that because your computer might have been infected with a virus or malware. And that should be the reason for the ‘Windows Firewall can’t change some of your settings’ error message that’s currently received on your Windows 10 system.
Thus, first make sure you use a trustful antivirus or antimalware program. In a dedicated review we already discussed about the best antivirus programs that can be used on the Windows 10 OS as an alternative for the built-in Windows Defender solution.
So, choose wisely and install a complex antivirus program on your computer. Then, we recommend you to reboot your PC into safe mode.
In safe mode all third-party apps and processes will be disabled by default which means that the scan can successfully be performed without being stopped or restricted.
As you know, it’s always recommended to use security software on your Windows 10 device. And in most situations it will be better to use third-party antivirus or antimalware programs instead of the built-in Microsoft security solutions.
The reason is simple: the third-party programs are more specialized and focused on detecting even the most recent malicious platforms released by hackers on the web.
So, if you are using a good and updated antivirus tool, you can disable the Windows Defender software and also turn off the Windows Firewall protection.
However, if you are still using Microsoft’s default security features, the troubleshooting solutions explained above should help you fix the ‘Windows Firewall can’t change some of your settings’ error message.
If you have questions or if you need our further assistance don’t hesitate and get in touch with our team. Then, based on the info you provide we will try to find the perfect solutions for your problems.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2017 and was revamped and updated in January 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.