When you first connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 11, it’s set as public by default. This is the recommended setting. However, you can set it as public or private depending on the network and what you want to do: Public network (Recommended). Use this for networks you connect to at home, work, or in a public place. You should use this in most cases. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network. Therefore, you can’t use your PC for file and printer sharing. Private network. Your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing. You should know and trust the people and devices on the network. Select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. On the Wi-Fi settings screen, select Manage known networks, and then select the Wi-Fi network you want to change. On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Network profile type, select Public (Recommended) or Private. When you first connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can set it as public or private—depending on the network and what you want to do:
After you connect to a network the first time, you can change it to public or private at any time.
Note: To use these steps to set a network to public or private, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version 1709 or later. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select Start , then select Settings > System > About . Need more help?This post will show you multiple way to make a network private or public in Windows 11. In short, these network types are differ with the default sharing option. When on a private network, Windows 11 makes your device visible for other computer. On a public network, your device and its shared resources are hidden. Actually, Windows 11 supports three network profiles. Public - this network profile is assigned to newly made connections. it makes your computer not discoverable for other devices on the same network. A public network is considered to be unsafe, e.g. to be shared with a third-party without a strong protection. So, Windows 11 applies certain restrictive Firewall rules where file sharing, network discovery, media cast, and automatic printer setup are all disabled. Private network - this network connection profile is applicable to home networks. It is less restrictive, and allows sharing of your files and folders. It also makes your PC visible to other computers on the network. If you trust the connected network, then you may set this profile for it. Domain network is the last profile which applies automatically when your PC joins an Active Directory, and you authenticate to a domain controller. To change the network type to Private or Public in Windows 11, do the following. There are a number of methods you can use to change the network type on Windows 11. You can use Settings, PowerShell, Registry, and Local Security Policy. In this post, we will review all these methods in detail. Make Network Public or Private using Windows 11 Settings
You are done. Windows will instantly apply new settings to the connection and reconfigure Windows Firewall. Additionally, you can change the network type for a known network. Known networks in Windows 11 are successfully established saved wireless connections. The good thing about this method is that you don't have to be currently connected to that network. So you can change its profile in advance. Change Network Profile Type for Known Networks
You are done. Now, let's review the PowerShell method. Change Network to Public or Private using PowerShell
You are done. You can now close Windows Terminal. Alternatively, you can change your network profile type in the Registry editor. Change Network Profile Type in the Registry
Everything is done, so you can now close the Registry editor app. However, I recommend you to restart Windows 11 to ensure the network settings are applied. Finally, the last method we will review is Local Security Policy. Please keep in mind that the Local Security Policy app is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you are running Windows 11 Home, use any other method expressed above. Setting the network location type with Local Security Policy will override the user choice in Settings and prevent the user from changing the options. So it is a restrictive configuration. Using Local Security Policy
Done! This will enforce the chosen profile type for all or specific network connections. You can always undo the restriction by setting both User permissions and Location type to Not configured. That's it! Support us Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: If you like this article, please share it using the buttons below. It won't take a lot from you, but it will help us grow. Thanks for your support! Should my Windows network be Public or private?Public network (Recommended).
Use this for networks you connect to at home, work, or in a public place. You should use this in most cases. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network. Therefore, you can't use your PC for file and printer sharing.
Why is public network recommended on Windows 11?This profile makes the computer discoverable, allowing you to share files, printers, and other resources with people you trust. The Public profile makes the device invisible in the local network. This option is recommended for most locations, including public places, work, and homes (unless you are sharing resources).
What is the difference between a public network and a private network?A public network is a type of network wherein anyone, namely the general public, has access and through it can connect to other networks or the Internet. This is in contrast to a private network, where restrictions and access rules are established in order to relegate access to a select few.
Is Public or private network profile better?Whether you should set your Wi-Fi network's profile to “Public” or “Private” will depend on your specific situation. If you have family members or others in your home or office that you want to share files and printers with you'll need to have your network set to “Private” in order to grant them that access.
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