Windows 8.1: Block apps - how it works

In Windows 8.1, you can not only block apps via the firewall, but also prevent the apps from being automatically updated.

Windows 8.1: Block apps via the firewall

If you don't want your apps to communicate via the Internet, i.e. to spread and receive data, you can simply block them:

First open the Control Panel and select the "System and Security" category.
Click there on the "Windows Firewall" and then on the left on the option "Allow an app or a feature through the Windows Firewall".
Here you can see a list of all apps and applications that create incoming or outgoing connections.
If you click on the "Change Settings" button above, you can deactivate the approvals for individual applications.
With the button "OK" your settings are saved.
Warning: Only deactivate apps and applications that you know that blocking will not harm your system.

If you don't like the automatic update of the Windows apps, you can also deactivate it:

First, open the Windows Store from the start screen. If it is not there, simply type "Windows Store" on the start screen and select the appropriate search result.
Move the mouse into the upper or lower right corner so that the Charm Bar opens there.
Select the "App updates" under "Settings".
If you move the slider from "Yes" to "No", you will have to update the apps manually from now on.

We will show you how to deactivate the automatic system updates from Windows 8.1 in the next practical tip.