How to change your Windows 10 (with the Fall 2017 Creators update) network type from Public to Private?

Most people don't know that the public setting for your Windows network has severe consequences for your reachability and connectivity in your local network. When public, your Windows computer behaves exactly like you’re on a public connection, like at an airport or hotel Wi-Fi. While this is a welcome feature when you're at these places, it prevents your computer from any communication with other devices in your local network which is not helpful if you are trying to transfer some photos between your mobile and your computer for example. The following steps show you how to change your network type from Public to Private on Windows 10 with the Fall 2017 Creators update.

Open the Windows 10 settings app by pressing the Windows Key + i or open the settings app from the start menu

Settings app
Settings app

Click on Network & Internet and then click on the Status subcategory. It should show you your actual network status, very likely with your Wi-Fi connection. Click on Change connection properties to open the connection properties.

Network & Internet
Network & Internet

In the connection properties make sure that your network profile is set to Private. Only private networks allow communication between devices in the same network. Public networks work like a public hotspot and prevent connections with other devices for security reasons.

Connection properties
Connection properties

755 out of 1340 found this article helpful
Was this article helpful? Yes | No

Go back

Need more support?