Windows 10 change private network to public network
How to Change Your Network Profile to Public or Private in Windows 10
In Windows 10, there are two sets of default security and sharing settings when you connect to a wired or wireless network: public and private. The names of these two settings are fairly straightforward. Private networks are in your home or office, while public networks are everywhere else—coffee shops, airports, libraries, etc.
That much is obvious. But how does Windows 10 treat public networks and private networks differently? And how do you switch from one to the other? That’s precisely what we’ll be covering in this article.
Set Your Network Profile in Windows 10 to Private or Public
When you first connect to a network, Windows will ask you what kind of network it is and what settings you want to use. If you don’t remember doing this, or you changed your mind about how you want to treat a network, then you can switch it.
Generally speaking, when you set a network profile to “public,” the settings are more restrictive. Your PC won’t be visible to other devices on the same network. Other devices won’t be able to access your files or printers on the network.
On a “private” network, Windows 10 assumes that you are on a trusted network that only you and your family members have access to. Your device will be discoverable on the network (others can see it). If you are using Homegroups, you’ll be able to share printers and files with other computers on the network.
Public and private networks also have different firewall settings. By default, both public and private networks have pretty restrictive firewall settings. But you can customize your firewall settings to be different depending on what type of connection you’re on.
How to Change a Wireless Network to Private or Public
To change from a public network to a private network for vice versa, start by connecting to your network. You can do this by opening the available Network icon in the Notification area. Select the network, then connect to it. After connecting, select it then click Properties.
Here you can change your Network profile to Public or Private. Choose the one that best suits your environment.
How to Change a Wired Network to Public or Private
If you want to change the network profile for a wired network, open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet then click your network adapter.
Then choose the profile you want.
Customize Public and Private Network Settings
You can change the settings for your public or private networks. For example, if you wanted to make your computer discoverable on public networks (not recommended) or disable file or printer sharing on a private network, you could.
Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet, under Change your network settings, click Sharing options.
Expand Private or public, then choose the radio box for the desired options such as turning off network discovery, file and printer sharing or accessing homegroup connections.
There you have it, easy ways to protect or give access to your networks. If you want to learn more about managing networks in Windows 10, check out our other articles How to Create and Join a HomeGroup in Windows 10 and Connect Windows 10 to Wired, Wireless, and P2P Networks. Users working with a mix of Macs and Windows can find help in our guide How to Network Windows 10 and OS X and Share Files.
Как изменить тип сети с общедоступной на частную в Windows 10 / Server 2016/2012 R2?
В этой статье мы рассмотрим понятие профиля сети в Windows, рассмотрим какие типы профилей сети бывают, для чего используются и как изменить назначенный профиль сети с “общедоступной” на “частную” или наоборот в Windows 10/Windows Server 2019/2016. Это бывает нужно, если сеть неправильно определяется как общественная (Public Network), когда должен быть определена как частная (Private).
Сетевые профили Windows являются частью брандмауэра Windows и позволяют применять различные правила брандмауэра в зависимости от типа сети, к которой подключен компьютер. В зависимости от примененного профиля для вашего сетевого подключения, другие компьютеры могут видеть или не видеть ваш компьютер в сети (настройки сетевого обнаружения), использовать расшаренные папки и сетевые принтеры.
Типы (профили) сети в Windows
Профили сети появились еще в Vista/Windows Server 2008. В Windows 10 (Windows Server 2016) сетевому интерфейсу (будь то Ethernet или Wi-Fi) можно присвоить один из трех сетевых профилей.
Как уже говрилось ранее, на основании профиля сети, примененного к сетевому интерфейсу, к нему применяются разные правила брандмауэра Windows.
В классической панели управления тип сети для активных сетевых подключения отображается здесь: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center.
Но изменить тип назначенного профиля сети из классической панели управления нельзя. Например, в Windows Server 2012 R2/ Windows 8.1 изменить профиль сети можно только через PowerShell, реестр или локальную политику безопасности.
Как присваивается профиль для сети в Windows 10?
Профиль сети в Windows 10 выбирается пользователем при первом подключении к новой сети. Появляется запрос:
Если выбрать “Да”, сети присваивается профиль Private (домашняя), если “Нет” – public (общедоступная). При следующем подключении к этой же самой LAN или WiFi сети автоматически назначается выбранный ранее профиль.
Теперь при подключении к сети опять появится запрос о включении сетевого обнаружения.
Как в Windows 10 изменить профиль сетевого подключения?
Здесь можно переключить применяемый сетевой профиль с Public на Private и наоборот.
Из классической Панели Управления Windows 10 изменить тип сетевого профиля интерфейса нельзя.
Также вы не можете сменить профиль на компьютере в домене, для сетевого подключения к домену всегда будет использоваться профиль Domain.
Изменить профиль сети с Public на Private в Windows 10 через PowerShell
В Windows 10 / Windows Server 2016/2019 вы можете управлять профилями сетевых подключений из PowerShell. Запустите консоль PowerShell с правами администартора.
Теперь с помощью командлета Get-NetConnectionProfile получим список сетевых интерфейсов и применённые к ним профили сети.
В моем примере на компьютере имеется 4 сетевых подключения, с разными типами профилей сети (NetworkCategory: Public, Private и DomainAuthenticated.
Попробуем изменить профиль сети для одного сетевого подключения. В этом случае нас интересует индекс, назначенный данной сетевой карте. В этом примере InterfaceIndex = 19.
Зная индекс сетевого интерфейса, можно изменить тип сети на Private:
Проверим, что профиль сети изменился:
Новые правила брандмауэра будут применены к интерфейсу в соответствии с назначенным профилем без перезагрузки.
Также вы можете изменить профиль сети сразу для всех сетевых адаптеров компьютера:
Изменить тип сети в Windows 10 через редактор реестра
Вы можете изменить тип сети через редактора реестра. Для этого нужно запустить regedit.exe и перейти в раздел HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles, в котором хранятся профили всех сетевых подключений.
Найти нужный профиль сети можно по имени в Центре управления сетями. Имя сети указано в ключе реестра ProfileName. Тип сети задается в параметре Category. Доступны следующие значения этого ключа:
Измените значение ключа на нужный и перезагрузите компьютер.
Сменить профиль сети через политику безопасности
Еще один способ смены типа сети — редактор локальной политики безопасности (Local Security Policy).
4 Ways To Change Network Type In Windows 10 (Public, Private or Domain)
Windows 10 makes it easy for the users to configure Windows Firewall by using pre-defined configurations of Windows Firewall. By default, there are three network types on which Windows Firewall configurations are used, public, private and domain.
Windows gives users an option to select a network type when a new network is connected to the computer. Windows will set the Windows Firewall rules according to the network type selected. Lets first know more about each network type.
Network Types
Public Network
A public network is the default network type. If no network type is selected, Windows will configure Windows Firewall using the Public network type rules. In public network, Windows Firewall rules will be the most restrictive. The firewall will block most of the apps from connecting from the Internet and disabling some features like file and printer sharing, network discovery and automatic setup of network devices etc.
You should use this type of network when you have only one computer and do not want to communicate with any other network device.
Private Network
The private network can be a home network or work network. This type of network will enable most networking features of Windows 10 like file sharing, network device setup, network discovery etc.
Use this network type if you trust the network you are connecting to.
Domain Network
The domain network is automatically detected when your computer is a member of Active Directory domain network. Windows should automatically detect this type of network and configure Windows Firewall accordingly. This type of network gives more control to the network administrator and the admin can apply different network security configurations using Active Directory group policies.
In this article, we will be more interested in changing the network type from public to private and vice versa as the domain network is automatically detected by Windows 10 and we don’t need to change anything.
What is the current network type of your computer?
Before going through the ways to change network type in Windows 10, we need to see what is the current network type of the connected network. To check the current network type settings, follow the steps below:
Ways to change network types in Windows 10
Let’s go through a few methods to change the network type in Windows 10.
1- Using Windows Settings
You can configure each type of these networks in more detail by clicking on the link “Change advanced sharing settings…”.
2- Setting network type using Windows Registry
3- Change network type using Local Security Policy
4- Setting network type using PowerShell
This will change the network type immediately.
Change Network Type In Windows 10 (Public, Private or Domain)
Microsoft Windows comes with an integrated firewall that has predefined configurations for the OS. Due to these limitations, Windows 10 has only three types of network profiles (public, private, and domain).
In this guide, we will explain these different types and teach you how to change network type in Windows 10.
Network Types in Windows 10
When you create a new network in Windows 10 and leave the configuration to default, Windows 10 automatically picks the best-suited network type.
Here are the different network profiles available in Windows 10.
Public Network
When you connect your computer to a new network, private or public, it will usually pick Public Network type. When you are a public network type, you are using strict firewall rules as your OS doesn’t want to compromise security when connected to a public network. Usually, you would avoid checking mail or connecting to a secure database on such a connection.
Limitations and Firewall Rules
Windows 10 wants you to stay secure when connected to a public network. For that reason, it uses various limitations and firewall rules to manage your status in a public/private network or when connected to a server. Some limitations for Public Network in are below.
When to Use a Public Network Type
If you have only one computer in a network or you control all the computers in a network, you can safely use the public network type.
The public network profile is suitable when you are using your computer for watching movies, playing games, spending time on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or other social media platforms. If you are on a public network, be sure to avoid any financial transactions or even checking your mail.
Private Network
Private Network profile in Windows 10 allows you to communicate more freely within your network. The firewall rules are relaxed as compared to a public network. It’s the network you trust so Windows 10 won’t put a lot of restrictions on how you communicate.
Limitations
In a private network, Windows 10 allows using file sharing and device sharing without any limitations. You can also use other apps and OS features that Windows won’t allow access when the public network profile is active.
When to Use Private Network Profile
You should only use a private network profile in Windows 10 when you trust the reliability and security of the connection and server.
If you select a private network profile for an unsafe network, it could expose your computer to hackers and phishing attacks. Your mail and other sensitive information could be visible and at risk.
Domain Network
Windows domain network is typically used by large organizations in the corporate sector, schools, and government. When your computer connects to such a network or database, Windows 10 uses a domain network profile after asking you for permission.
Limitations and Firewall
A network administrator in a domain network can make security-related changes and edit existing configurations to any network device, including your computer.
Windows relax firewall rules and other security limitations to match the domain security profile.
When to Use Domain Network Profile
A home user won’t come across domain networks. But if you work in an organization that uses domain networks and secure user account, your computer will need to set up the network before it can access the network.
Windows 10 will ask your permission before adding your computer to this type of network.
What Is the Current Network Type in My Computer?
Now that you’ve learned important stuff about different Windows 10 network profiles, it’s time to find the type of network your computer is using currently. Only then you can change the profile type.
Here are a few easy steps to quickly find whether your computer is using a public or private profile.
Now if you want to change the network profile, keep reading.
How to Change Network Type in Windows 10?
When you connect to a network for the first time in Windows 10, it asks you for permission to set it to ‘private’ network type. If you deny permissions, Windows will automatically set public profile configurations.
In many scenarios, you may have to change the network profile. Luckily, changing network types in Windows 10 is easy. You have a few different methods to switch to your preferred profile. We have listed some of the best methods below.
Change Windows 10 Network Type Using Windows Settings
To change or edit the network type using Windows Control Panel settings, follow the steps below. This is by far the easiest fix so we want you to try it before you try anything else.
Change Public Network to Private in Windows 10 Using Registry
You can also change your preferred network type in the Windows registry. Many users find this fix easy once they know what they are doing. In case you are not sure about registry settings and you don’t want to try an advanced solution, quit now and try the previous method. Otherwise, proceed with the steps below.
The changes you make here work just the way it worked it first method. The only difference is that here you directly change the entries while in the first method you do it via Windows Settings.
Change Network from Public to Private in Windows Files
If you don’t want to try any of the above methods to change the network profile from public to private for any technical or personal reasons, then we have listed another method for you. This simple solution allows you to make changes to the network profile by using Windows files.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Change Network Type Using PowerShell
You can also change the network type in Windows 10 using the PowerShell utility. Here is how to do it in simple steps.
That’s it. This will change the network type to the one you set. Just be sure to enter the command and the network name correctly.
What to Do If Network Profile Is Missing?
Although it’s straightforward to show the current network type and change it, it’s where you could get stuck sometime. In case you see the error ‘network profile missing’ instead of seeing available networks and their configurations.
Windows 10 users often see this error when they are using a third-party firewall instead of the Windows built-in option.
If you see the error ‘network profile missing’, simply follow these easy steps to recover/show the profile missing.
Now you should be able to change the network type on Windows 10. You can try any of the methods above. It’s also possible to fix network visibility issues using the above methods. Just make sure you follow the instructions as explained to avoid future any issues with Windows 10.
How to change the Windows 10 network location to private (or public)
When you connect to a new and unknown network in Windows 10, the operating system sets it as Public. This means that Windows 10 offers the maximum protection possible from other devices on the same network because it treats that network as untrusted. Therefore, your Windows 10 PC is not discoverable on the network, and you cannot share folders and printers with that network. However, you may want to set the network as Private. Here are the quickest methods of changing the network profile in Windows 10:
IMPORTANT: For the procedure to work, you have to be logged in with a user account that has administrator privileges. If you need a refresher on the purpose of network locations in Windows, read this guide: What are network locations in Windows?. The procedure for changing the network location in Windows 10 is slightly different based on how you are connected to the network: wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable. In this guide, we cover both situations, each in a separate section.
How to change the Windows 10 network location to private, when connected to WiFi
If you use a laptop, tablet or Surface Pro device with Windows 10, and you are connected to a wireless network, first click or tap on the WiFi icon, in the notification area of the taskbar (usually found on the bottom-right corner of the screen). Then, click or tap the Properties link beneath the name of the WiFi network you are connected to.
A Settings window opens, with settings for the wireless network that you are connected to. In the “Network profile” section, click or tap Private, and the network location is changed.
Alternatively, if you want to change the network location from Private to Public, make the opposite choice. Now you can close the Settings window. The change is immediately applied and used by Windows 10.
How to change the Windows 10 network location to private, when connected through a network cable
If you are on a desktop PC with Windows 10 that is connected to the network using an Ethernet cable, the procedure is different. First, click the network icon in the notification area of the taskbar (usually found on the bottom-right corner of the screen). Then, click on the name of the network that you are connected to.
The Settings window is shown, with the settings for your Ethernet network connection. Click again on the name of the network.
A list of settings is shown, for your active network connection. In the “Network profile” section, click or tap Private, and the network location is changed. Alternatively, if you want to change the network location from Private to Public, make the opposite choice.
Close the Settings window and you are done. The change is immediately applied and used by Windows 10.
How to change the Windows 10 network location using the Settings app
The methods above are the fastest. However, there is also another way to make the same change, using the Settings app. In Windows 10, open Settings and go to “Network & Internet.” Then, if you use a Wi-Fi network, go to Wi-Fi, click or tap the name of the network you are connected to, and then change the network profile to Private or Public, depending on what you need.
If you use an Ethernet connection, go to Ethernet and click the name of the network you are connected to. Then, change the network profile.
How to change the Windows 10 network location using the Command Prompt or PowerShell
To double check that the network location was changed, run the Get-NetConnectionProfile again and see the results. The NetworkCategory field should have a different value.
NOTE: For more information about working with the Get-NetConnectionProfile command, check the documentation created by Microsoft, here.
Why does setting the correct Windows 10 network profile matter?
Windows 10 treats your network connection based on the location that is set for it. Public networks are considered untrusted. You should set network connections as Public when connected to networks that you do not know, like those found in public places, airports, hotels, restaurants, libraries, or those of companies you do not work for. You should set networks as Private only if you know them, and you trust them, like those in your home or workplace. When you set a network as Private, Windows 10 allows your computer or device to be discoverable on the network, to share data, and devices, including printers. For example, you cannot install a wireless printer, or a network printer, unless the network connection is set as Private.
Did you successfully change the network profile in Windows 10?
If you follow the steps described above you can to quickly change the Windows 10 network location from Private to Public or the other way around. Before closing this tutorial, tell us if everything worked fine for you. If you had troubles changing the network profile, tell us what happened, in a comment below.