Right-click the installer and select "Run as Administrator." After installation, Windows will ask you to reboot to install the kernel driver (this is essential; without it, the firewall cannot block processes).

If you want to control your network, not just watch it, a new key is mandatory. After testing the latest builds against ransomware (specifically the LockBit 3.0 simulator) and background telemetry from Windows 11, the answer is a resounding Yes .

Here is the hard truth about the Free vs. Paid (New Key) experience:

While Windows Firewall is a blunt instrument, GlassWire is a scalpel. Searching for a suggests you are ready to move beyond passive protection to active network defense.