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4957 Windows Firewall did not apply the following rule

Written when the Windows Firewall did not apply a rule. It indicates that, due to a rule conflict or configuration problem, an intended defense may not be in effect.

Overview

The subcategory is Audit MPSSVC Rule-Level Policy Change. It is generated when the firewall could not apply a rule for some reason. A missing referenced item is recorded separately by 4958.

How it is triggered

  • When a rule was not applied due to a rule conflict, missing dependency settings, and so on.

Security review points

  • An unapplied rule does not provide the intended control. Check whether an important defensive rule went unapplied.
  • It is mostly configuration-induced. However, since it creates a defensive gap, review the content and reason of the unapplied rule.

Notes for log review

  • Check the reason for non-application (a missing reference is 4958). Note non-application of important rules.
  • Evaluate rule-application health together with the startup listing 4945.

Key fields

FieldMeaning
Unapplied ruleThe rule in question
ReasonThe cause of non-application

References