How to Fix Windows Firewall Errors 0x8007045b and 0x8007042c

When you attempt to start, stop, or reset the Windows Defender Firewall, the error code 0x8007045b or 0x8007042c may appear:

Windows could not stop the Windows Firewall service on Local Computer.

The service did not return an error. This could be an internal Windows error or an internal service error.

If the problem persists, contact your system administrator.

When you reset the firewall using the GUI or Netsh command, the following error occurs:

An error occurred while attempting to contact the Windows Firewall service. Make sure that the service is running and try your request again.

An unrecoverable Windows Firewall error (0x8007045b) occurred.

The Firewall Control Panel suggests that the Windows Defender Firewall is not using the recommended settings to protect your computer.

When you click “Use recommended settings”, the error code 0x8007045b appears.

Windows Defender Firewall can't change some of your settings. Error code 0x8007045b.

(or)

Windows Defender Firewall can't change some of your settings. Error code 0x8007042c.

Also, error 1068 (hex: 0x8007042c) occurs when starting the Windows Defender Firewall.

Windows could not start the Windows Defender Firewall service on Local Computer.

Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start.

Cause

0x8007042c (or 1068) is ERROR_SERVICE_DEPENDENCY_FAIL. The Base Filtering Engine service may be disabled or fail to start.

0x8007045b is ERROR_SHUTDOWN_IN_PROGRESS. This is due to the corruption of the Windows Firewall service registry keys.

(The fix for 0x800706D9 should also fix the error codes 0x8007042c and 0x8007045b. Please see Windows Firewall Error 0x800706D9 “”The snap-in failed to load”“)

Resolution

To fix the Windows Firewall errors 0x8007042c (1068), 0x80070422, 0x8007045b, and 0x80070437, rebuild Windows Defender Firewall, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), and Base Filtering Service.

Follow these steps:

1. In the C:\ drive, create a folder named “Registry” — i.e., C:\Registry. Do not use any other folder name.
2. Download firewall_fix_windows_10.zip or firewall_fix_windows_11.zip
3. Extract the four files from the Zip file to C:\Registry.
4. From the C:\Registry folder, right-click “Run.bat” and choose “Run as administrator.”
   
   (Note: You should see the output, “The operation completed successfully” for each command.)
   
5. Restart Windows.

That should fix the Windows Defender Firewall service errors.

---

Related articles

How to Fix Base Filtering Engine Service Startup Problems

Fix for Base Filtering Engine (BFE) Service Error 1083

Windows Firewall Error 0x800706D9 “The snap-in failed to load”