You will be prompted to select a public or private network configuration when connecting a device to a network, whether a Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet connection. How a device communicates with other devices connected to the same network depends on your selected network option. Choosing between the public and private determines the security and privacy of your device, but how to switch network settings from public to private?
This writing is about switching the network settings from public to private while covering the following:
What is Meant by Private Network?
How to Switch/Change Network Settings From Public to Private?
What is a Public Network?
A public network is like a busy street where anyone can see and access your device. Public networks are often found in places like coffee shops or airports. When you connect to a public network, your device is at a higher risk of being accessed or attacked by other devices on the same network. You can choose the “Public” network setting to protect your device and its data. This will make your device difficult to spot from other devices on the network and help keep your data safe.
What is Meant by Private Network?
A private network is like a secret club, where only authorized members can see and access our device. Private networks are usually found in homes or offices, where only those who work or live there are allowed in. When you connect your device to a private network, you can share files or use a printer connected to another device on the network. You should go with the “Private” network setting to do this. This will allow your device to talk to other devices on the network and share resources.
Imagine you are in an event that one of the authorized members can enjoy. Similarly, on a private network, you’re one of the authorized members who can see and access the devices and resources on the network. By choosing the “Private” network setting, you can be part of the club and take advantage of all the perks that come with it.
How to Switch/Change Network Settings From Public to Private?
The following three methods can assist you in changing the network settings on your system from public to private.
Switch Network Settings From Public to Private From the Network Settings
Following these steps, you can switch the network settings from public to private.
Step 1: Head to Settings
To open the “Settings” app, press the “Windows” key, type “Settings” in the search bar, and open it:
Step 2: Select Connection Type
From the next window, scroll down and find “Network & Internet”, select it:
Select “WiFi”, if you are using a wireless connection, and choose “Ethernet” for wired connections:
Step 3: Select Connection
In this case, we are using a WiFi connection, so we’d select it by clicking on it after selecting the connection type:
Step 4: Select Network Profile
Once you have selected the connection, the “Network profile” can now be chosen and since we are switching from public to private, we’d select “Private” and close the window:
The effect is immediate, and you don’t need to reboot the system.
Switch/Change Network Settings From Public to Private From the Group Policy Editor
To switch from public to private (network settings) by altering the “Group Policy”, press the “Windows + r” key and type “gpedit.msc” before hitting the “Enter” key:
From the “Group Policy”, follow this path “Computer Configuration => Windows Settings => Security Settings => Network List Manager Policies” and double-click on the network you want to change settings:
From the next window, click on the “Network Location” tab and select “Private” location type, apply the changes, and hit “OK”:
Once done, you must restart the system.
Switch Network Settings From Public to Private Using PowerShell
The network can also be switched from public to private using “PowerShell”. To do that, press “Windows + X” keys and click on “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”:
Now, check the stats of the currently connected internet connection using this command:
As seen, the “NetworkCategory” is set to “Public”, and to make it “Private”, the following command is used. Here, you must replace “PTCL-BB” with your network’s name:
The “NetworkCategory” is now set to “Private”, which can be confirmed by checking the network stats:
Conclusion
To switch network settings from public to private, Microsoft offers three methods that include changing the “Network Settings”, “Group Policy” or using “PowerShell”. Public network settings allow easy access and communication with other devices and networks but may sacrifice security. Private network settings prioritize security over accessibility, often requiring additional authentication and encryption protocols for access. This guide explained how to switch/change the network settings from public to private.
