---
id: bridge-devices.how-do-i-allow-bridge-through-windows-firewall
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-allow-bridge-through-windows-firewall
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "The Bridge app on your PC"
question: "Should I allow Bridge through Windows Firewall?"
alt_questions:
  - "Windows Defender Firewall prompt for SS Bridge"
  - "Bridge blocked by firewall"
  - "Allow Bridge on private networks"
  - "Firewall stopping Bridge from connecting"
  - "Windows security alert Bridge"
short_answer: "Yes. Allow SS Bridge on Private networks when Windows Firewall asks; otherwise your Mac may not find the PC on your Wi-Fi. If you missed the prompt, allow it in Windows Security's firewall settings."
tags: ["bridge app", "windows", "firewall"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-cant-bridge-find-my-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I allow Bridge through Windows Firewall?

Yes — allow **SS Bridge** on **Private** networks when Windows asks. Without that, your Mac may not be able to find the PC on your home or office Wi-Fi.

If you dismissed the prompt, open Windows Security's firewall settings, allow SS Bridge through the firewall for Private networks, and make sure your Wi-Fi is set as a Private network in Windows.

- [Bridge can't find my Mac](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-cant-bridge-find-my-mac)