Does internet need to be on when running XAMPP and starting Apache MySql?

Does my internet need to be on when running XAMPP, and then starting Apache + MySql, or is a connection to the internet not necessary? I ask because I am currently working in a public WIFI location and when I start the Apache and MySql, I’m given the “Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program” message, but instead of only allowing the “Private” networks to communicate with the Apache HTTP Server, the “Public” networks is also pre-selected. I am concerned for security reasons, since in parenthesis, it states “not recommended because these networks often have little or no security”.

Thank you.