A Python script to block/unblock specific applications from accessing the internet using Windows Firewall rules. For the original context, I need a workaround to block the network connection for my Steam game, because it requires an internet connection to launch the game.
- Block/unblock specific applications from accessing the internet
- Supports both inbound and outbound rules
- Works with any executable application
- Windows operating system
- Python 3.x
- Administrative privileges (required for modifying Windows Firewall rules)
python block_app_internet.py [options] <path_to_executable>Options:
-bor--block: Block internet access for the specified application-uor--unblock: Unblock internet access for the specified application-hor--help: Show help message
Example:
# Block internet access for an application
python block_app_internet.py -b "C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe"
# Unblock internet access for an application
python block_app_internet.py -u "C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe"You can create batch (.bat) files to quickly block or unblock applications without typing the full command. Here's how:
- Create a new text file with
.batextension - Add the Python command with desired options
- Save and run as administrator
Example batch file (block_steam.bat):
@echo off
python block_app_internet.py -b "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"
pauseExample batch file (unblock_steam.bat):
@echo off
python block_app_internet.py -u "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"
pauseTo block Steam from accessing the internet:
- Method 1 - Using Python script directly:
python block_app_internet.py -b "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"- Method 2 - Using batch file:
- Create
block_steam.batwith the content shown above - Right-click and "Run as administrator"
To restore Steam's internet access:
- Method 1 - Using Python script directly:
python block_app_internet.py -u "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"- Method 2 - Using batch file:
- Create
unblock_steam.batwith the content shown above - Right-click and "Run as administrator"
- Always run the script or batch files with administrative privileges
- The script creates Windows Firewall rules with names that include the application's filename
- Blocking an application affects both incoming and outgoing connections
- Make sure to use the correct path to the executable you want to block
If you encounter any issues:
- Ensure you're running as administrator
- Verify the path to the executable is correct
- Check Windows Firewall is enabled and running
- Look for existing rules with the same name in Windows Firewall
[] Support linux and macOS operating system