How to Change Public Network to Private Network in Windows 10/11?

On Windows, you can set different network types with specific settings to improve security or share files in the network.

Whenever you connect a new network to your Windows 10/11 PC, it allows users to select network profile and set Windows Defender Firewall settings. You can change these settings anytime.

The public network device is not discoverable on the local network. Whenever you connect any network to your PC, a public profile type is assigned. It will allow users to share files without any protection.

On the other hand, a private network device is discoverable on the local network. Select a private network if you want to share files within the private network. Only trusted users in the same network can access and share files.

How to Change Public Network to Private Network in Windows 10/11

Before getting started, note that you have to change the network profile type for Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections separately.

If you want to change your network type in Windows 11 then here is a complete guide for you.

Method 1: Change public network to private network using WiFi Settings (Windows 11/10)

Step 1: First click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar.

Step 2: Click on the connected network and click on Properties.

Step 3: Select Private and it’s done.

Switch From Public Network to Private Using Ethernet Lan Settings

If you are using a LAN connection, then follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings using Windows + I button.

Step 2: Select the Network & Internet option.

Step 3: Select Ethernet in the left sidebar.

Step 4: Now click on the name of your connection.

Step 5: Select Private to change your network type from Public to Private.

Method 2: Use Registry to change public network to private network (Windows 11/10)

You can use the registry editor to change network type in Windows 10 & 11. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Open the start menu using the Windows button and search for regedit.

Step 2: Click on registry editor from the search result.

Step 3: In the registry editor, go to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

Step 4: In the left sidebar, expand the Profiles key.

Step 5: Find the network which you are currently using with the “ProfileName” key in the right sidebar.

Step 6: Once you found the network you are using, double-click on the Category key in the right sidebar.

Step 7: Change the Value data from 0 to 1 for the private network.

Public network: 0
Private network: 1
Domain network: 2

Restart your computer.

Method 3: Use PowerShell to change network type (Windows 11/10)

You can also use PowerShell to change network type on Windows 11 and 10.

Step 1: Open the Start menu using the Windows key and search for PowerShell.

Step 2: Click on the Run as administrator in the right sidebar.

Step 3: Run the following command to find the current network.

Get-NetConnectionProfile

Step 4: To change your network location from public to private, type in the following command and press enter.

Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "NetworkName" -NetworkCategory Private

Replace NetworkName with your computer network name.

Method 4: Change Public Network to Private Using Local Group Policy Editor (Windows 11/10)

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for “gpedit.msc“. Click on the Group Policy Editor from the list.

Step 2: In the Group Policy editor, go to the following path:

Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Network List Manager Policies.

Double-click on Unidentified Networks in the right sidebar.

In the Location type, select the Private option.

Click on Apply and ok to save the settings.

Final Words

Above we have shared every possible way to change the network type from Public to Private in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you are still facing any problems, comment below.