Disable windows firewall and get a decent one. Best is a router with hardware modem with build in firewall (about 35 euro), if you can’t afford that, get a freeware software firewall

ZoneAlarm, Kerio, Oupost all have a free version.

And about the settings for Avast, that is something you must decide. It is your system and your the only one who knows exactly how it is used.