Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix error code 1068 Error – Win7 ~ Windows Firewall service could not start - error code 1068

Windows Firewall service error code 1068 fix

Quick Answer: Try disabling and re-enabling the Windows Firewall service.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The Windows Firewall service error code 1068 occurs when the service fails to start due to a dependency issue. This error affects users of Windows 7 operating systems who are trying to enable or configure their firewall settings. The frustration of encountering this error can be overwhelming, especially for those who rely on their firewall for security and protection.

Resolving this issue requires a systematic approach to identify and address the root cause. In this guide, we will walk you through the primary fix method and provide an alternative solution for those who encounter difficulties with the first approach.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The Windows Firewall service depends on several components to function correctly. One of the main reasons for error code 1068 is a misconfigured or missing Group Policy Object (GPO) that affects the firewall settings. When GPOs are not properly configured, it can cause issues with the Windows Firewall service starting. Additionally, corrupted system files or registry entries can also contribute to this error.
  • Another possible reason for error code 1068 is a conflict between the Windows Firewall and another security software installed on the system. In some cases, other security programs may override or interfere with the Windows Firewall settings, leading to this error.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Enabling Windows Firewall via Group Policy Editor

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
  2. Step 2: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Ensure that the "Windows Firewall: Allow Windows Firewall controlled apps through Windows Defender Firewall" policy is enabled.
  3. Step 3: Restart your computer and attempt to start the Windows Firewall service again. If the issue persists, proceed to Method 2.

Disabling and Re-enabling Windows Firewall via Command Prompt

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin). This will open the Command Prompt window with administrative privileges.
  2. Step 2: Type "netsh advfirewall show config" and press Enter to display the current firewall configuration. Look for any conflicting settings or policies that may be causing the issue.
  3. Step 3: Type "netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state=on" and press Enter to enable Windows Firewall on all profiles. Then, type "netsh advfirewall reset defaultinboundpolicy" and press Enter to reset the inbound policy. Finally, type "netsh advfirewall reset defaultoutboundpolicy" and press Enter to reset the outbound policy.

💡 Conclusion

Resolving error code 1068 requires patience and persistence. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and address the root cause of the issue. If you continue to encounter difficulties, it may be helpful to seek further assistance from a qualified IT professional or Microsoft support.

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