Malware bytes is best

We don't use a software firewall. We depend on our router. When I check the settings on Defender I find:

Domain---Windows Defender is on.
Private and public--off
Inbound connections that don't match a rule are blocked--red cross
outbound connections that don't match a rule are blocked--red cross

Private profile is active

Windows Defender is off--red cross

Public profile

Windows Defender is off--red cross


I am confused. Is the lack of a software firewall causing problems?

Pokey, I think Hagatha pretty much resolved this last February.

Hey, Pokey, yes I did resolve this, thanks. Malwarebytes is pretty unobtrusive and seems to be doing the job just fine. Avast was beginning to feel like bloatware.