Remove Windows Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing Components

The Windows Firewall provides a barrier between your system and potentially harmful content on a network, such as viruses and worms. Windows Firewall can prevent unauthorized network access to your run-time image.

Many networking components are dependent on the Core Networking component, which by default automatically includes the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) component when you run a dependency check.

In the Core Networking component, you can disable the requirement for Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Removing the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) component can save an estimated 30 MB.

Note   Microsoft recommends that you include and enable the Windows Firewall if your device will be connected to a network. If you understand the risks of not shipping the Windows FIrewall enabled on your device, you can use the following procedure to remove it.

To remove Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing

1. In Target Designer, in the configuration browser, delete the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) component.
2. Expand the Core Networking component in the configuration browser and then choose Settings.
3. Clear the checkbox for Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
4. From the Configuration menu, choose Check Dependencies. Check to make sure that the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) component is not pulled back in.

See Also

Remove Unnecessary Devices to Optimize Footprint | Windows Firewall

Last updated on Wednesday, October 18, 2006

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