CorelDRAW is one of the most popular design tools used by professionals around the world. But there are times when you may want to prevent CorelDRAW (or its related components) from accessing the internet. Reasons can include:
- Reducing unnecessary background network traffic.
- Preventing automatic updates or telemetry.
- Controlling how applications connect to online resources in environments with strict policies.
- Testing offline workflows without interference.
The easiest and most reliable way to achieve this on Windows is by using the built-in Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
This guide will walk you through every step needed to block CorelDRAW applications and services from accessing the internet. Don’t worry if you’ve never touched advanced firewall settings before—we’ll go carefully, one stage at a time.
1. Why Block Internet Access for CorelDRAW?
Let’s start by answering the “why.” Many users wonder why they should block an application like CorelDRAW from accessing the internet. Here are common reasons:
- Privacy concerns: Corel products sometimes communicate usage data to their servers.
- Stability: Prevents unexpected pop-ups about licensing or updates during live work.
- Network restrictions: Some corporate environments don’t allow design software to connect externally.
- Legacy versions: Older CorelDRAW versions may attempt to check for updates but are no longer supported.
Blocking internet access doesn’t affect your ability to use the program offline—it simply keeps CorelDRAW contained to your computer.
2. Understanding Windows Firewall Basics
Before moving forward, let’s clarify two key terms:
- Inbound Rules – Control what traffic is allowed into your computer from external networks.
- Outbound Rules – Control what traffic is allowed to leave your computer and connect to external servers.
When blocking CorelDRAW, you’ll want to create both inbound and outbound rules to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Preparing Before You Begin
A few things to prepare before you dive in:
- Admin Access: You must be logged in as an Administrator to change firewall settings.
- Know your installation path:
- On 64-bit Windows → CorelDRAW will typically install in
C:\Program Files\Corel\ - On 32-bit Windows → It will be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\
- On 64-bit Windows → CorelDRAW will typically install in
- Backups: While you’re not deleting anything, it’s a good practice to create a restore point before making major system changes.
Now let’s begin the actual process.
4. Step 1 – Open Control Panel and Firewall Settings
The first step is to open the Windows Firewall settings:
- Press Windows Key + S and type Control Panel.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Navigate to:
System and Security→ Windows Defender Firewall.
This is where you control all network rules for your applications.
5. Step 2 – Access Advanced Firewall Settings
Once inside the Firewall panel:
- Look to the left-hand menu.
- Click on Advanced settings.
This opens the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window. It may look intimidating, but this is the control center where you can add custom rules.
6. Step 3 – Create a New Inbound Rule
Now we’ll start blocking CorelDRAW executables.
- On the left menu, select Inbound Rules.
- On the right, click New Rule….
- In the wizard that appears, select Program and click Next.
This tells Windows you want to control network access for a specific program file (EXE).
7. Step 4 – Select Program Executables
This is where you point to the CorelDRAW files:
- Click Browse.
- Navigate to the installation folder:
C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite\Programs64\(for 64-bit)- Or
C:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite\Programs\(for 32-bit).
- Select the executable file you want to block (e.g.,
CorelDRW.exe,CorelPP.exe). - Click Next.
💡 Note: Each Corel application (DRAW, PHOTO-PAINT, Font Manager, Connect, etc.) has its own EXE. You’ll need to repeat this process for all of them.
8. Step 5 – Choose the Action: Block Connection
Now you decide what to do with the program’s network requests:
- Select Block the connection.
- Click Next.
This will prevent CorelDRAW from sending or receiving data over the internet.
9. Step 6 – Name and Save Your Rule
To keep things organized:
- Select the profiles (Domain, Private, Public) → leave all checked.
- Give your rule a name such as CorelDRAW Block Internet.
- Add a description if you want (optional).
- Click Finish.
Congratulations! You’ve just created your first blocking rule.
10. Step 7 – Repeat for Other CorelDRAW Files
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite includes multiple components. You’ll need to repeat the New Rule process for each:
CorelDRW.exe→ CorelDRAW main appCorelPP.exe→ PHOTO-PAINTFontManager.exe→ Font ManagerConnect.exe→ Corel ConnectCapture.exe→ Screenshot utility- Any updater or licensing executables
It’s important to block them all, otherwise some components may still connect online.
11. Step 8 – Create Outbound Rules
So far, we’ve blocked incoming connections. But CorelDRAW can still attempt to connect out. To stop this:
- Go to Outbound Rules in the left menu.
- Repeat the same process:
- New Rule → Program → Browse Corel executables → Block Connection.
- Name each rule clearly, e.g., CorelDRAW Outbound Block.
By creating both inbound and outbound rules, you ensure complete control.
12. Step 9 – Verify Your Rules in Advanced Firewall
Once done, it’s worth checking your work:
- In the Inbound Rules and Outbound Rules sections, scroll to confirm your CorelDRAW entries exist.
- Each should show Action = Block.
- You can right-click and disable/enable rules if you ever want to allow connections temporarily.
13. Tips for Managing Multiple Applications
- Group rules by naming convention: Example → “Corel Block – DRAW,” “Corel Block – PHOTO-PAINT.”
- Use descriptions to remind yourself why you blocked a program.
- Test functionality: Open CorelDRAW after applying the rules. It should still work offline, but no internet pop-ups should appear.
- Remember updates: If you install a new Corel version, repeat the process for its executables.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will blocking CorelDRAW break the software?
No, CorelDRAW works fully offline. Only online features such as cloud connectivity or update checks will be disabled.
Q2. Can I unblock it later?
Yes. Simply go to the Firewall rules and either delete or disable the block rule.
Q3. Do I need to block both inbound and outbound connections?
Yes, for maximum safety. Outbound rules stop the app from contacting servers, inbound rules stop servers from contacting the app.
Q4. What if I miss a file?
If some Corel services still connect, check the installation folder again for additional executables (like licensing services). Add rules for those too.
Q5. Can this method be used for other apps?
Absolutely. The same process works for any Windows program you want to block from internet access.
15. Conclusion
Blocking CorelDRAW from accessing the internet using Windows Firewall is a straightforward process once you know where to look. By carefully setting inbound and outbound rules for all Corel executables, you gain full control over how the software interacts with external servers.
This not only protects your privacy but also ensures smoother workflows if you prefer working offline. And since Windows Firewall is built-in, there’s no need to install third-party tools—everything can be done natively.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is intended for educational purposes only. Blocking internet access may prevent CorelDRAW from receiving important updates, security patches, or access to online features. Proceed carefully, and only apply these steps if you fully understand the consequences. Always keep backups of your system and data.
Tags
Windows Firewall, CorelDRAW, block internet, Corel Graphics Suite, security settings, Windows 10, Windows 11, firewall rules
Hashtags
#CorelDRAW #WindowsFirewall #PCSecurity #OfflineWork #Windows11 #CorelGraphicsSuite
