TinyWall is a small firewall controller for Windows. It does not install its own network driver; it manages the Windows Firewall that is already in the system and, after installation, blocks most communication until you allow the programs you need. The TinyWall download is free, and the developer states there are no ads, no artificial limitations and no telemetry.
It is a firewall for a single Windows computer. It is not a network firewall appliance like pfSense, and it does not route or filter traffic for other machines.
TinyWall at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest version | 3.6.1 (21 October 2026), checked 6 November 2026 |
| Licence | Free of charge, according to the official site |
| Platform | Windows (x86/x64 MSI; separate ARM64 package of about 2 MB) |
| Installer size | About 1.8 MB (x86/x64 MSI) |
| Developer | Károly D. Pados |
| Official website | tinywall.pados.hu |
| Best for | A simple, low-overhead host firewall on a Windows workstation |
What it does
- Controls the built-in Windows Firewall instead of replacing it, with no extra drivers or kernel components.
- Offers tampering protection, blocklists, temporary firewall rules, UWP support and boot-time filtering.
- Version 3.6 added wildcard support, block-reason attribution and UWP improvements, according to the developer’s news.
- Lets you work without frequent pop-ups; rules are set up through a simple interface.
Important before you install
The developer notes that after installation TinyWall blocks most communication. Allow your browser, update tools and remote-access software before relying on the machine, and do not install it over a remote session you cannot afford to lose.
Who should use it, and who should not
A good fit: admins who want a lightweight host firewall on a few Windows machines and prefer a minimal interface.
Not a fit: central management of many computers (no management server is listed on the official site) or a network gateway; that is a different class of product.
Limits and what we have not checked
Not tested yet: we have not installed or run this version. The licence is described only as free on the official site; we have not verified the exact licence text or whether the source code is available under an open-source licence.
FAQ
Is TinyWall free?
Yes. The official site describes it as free, with no ads, no upgrades to pay for and no telemetry.
Does TinyWall replace Windows Firewall?
No. It controls the built-in Windows Firewall rather than installing its own filtering driver.
Why did my internet stop after installing it?
The developer notes TinyWall blocks most communication after installation until you allow the programs that need network access.
Is it a replacement for pfSense?
No. TinyWall protects one Windows computer. pfSense is a firewall and router operating system for a whole network.
Last checked against official sources: 6 November 2026 (developer website: tinywall.pados.hu). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in production.
