The process LocalServiceNoNetworkFirewall is a grouping of Windows services that includes the Windows Defender Firewall and the Base Filtering Engine (BFE). When you run Norton 360, this process should typically remain idle or low-impact because Norton’s Smart Firewall takes over most filtering duties.
If you are seeing high CPU or memory usage from this process while Norton is active, it usually indicates a conflict between Windows’ built-in security and Norton’s layers.
Common Fixes for Conflicts
Restart the Base Filtering Engine (BFE):
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
Find LocalServiceNoNetworkFirewall, right-click it, and select Go to details.
Right-click the highlighted service and select Go to service(s).
Locate BFE (Base Filtering Engine), right-click it, and select Restart.
Reset Windows Firewall Defaults:
Sometimes, corrupt rules from previous installations cause the built-in firewall to loop.
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Windows Firewall.
Click Restore firewalls to default.
Check for “Periodic Scanning”:
Norton may conflict if Windows Defender’s “Limited Periodic Scanning” is on.
Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Microsoft Defender Antivirus options and ensure Periodic scanning is toggled Off.
Change Norton to “Windows Settings Mode”:
In recent Norton 360 versions (v24+), users have found success by letting Windows manage the core network profile.
In the Norton main window, look for Settings > Firewall and see if an option for Windows Settings Mode is available to resolve connection or performance blocks.
Why this happens with Norton 360
Corrupt Installation: A “dirty” update can leave Norton and Windows fighting for control over the same network ports. Using the Norton 360 Remover tool often fixes this by cleaning out old registry rules .
Network Profile Flips: Norton sometimes incorrectly flags a home network as “Public,” causing the Windows Firewall process to spike as it applies stricter security rules. Ensure your network is set to Private in both Windows and Norton settings.
