Q&A: Checking Up on Windows Security How can I tell if my Windows 7 firewall is turned on? Like earlier versions of the system, Windows 7 includes a built-in Windows Firewall program to help keep malicious software or Internet intruders from infiltrating your computer over a network connection. To check the firewall's status, go to the Start menu to Control Panel and click on System and Security. On the next screen, click on Windows Firewall to see its current state and settings. You can get a fuller picture of your computer's security status by clicking on the Action Center option in the System and Security settings; it is listed right above Windows Firewall. The Action Center also reports the state of any virus protection, antispyware and other security software installed, as well as Windows Update.