By default, all Wi-Fi networks on Windows are treated as public networks. However, you can always change the network profile type from public to private (and vice-versa).

Windows lets you set the network profile type for each network separately. We'll walk you through four different methods for changing the network profile type on Windows. But first, let’s quickly understand the difference between a public and a private network on Windows.

What Is the Difference Between Public and Private Networks on Windows?

The network profile type you choose affects how Windows handles a network.

When you set a network as Private, for instance, Windows enables the network discovery feature. This allows other computers on the same network to connect to your system. As a result, you can exchange files and share printers with other computers on the network. However, you should only use this option if you know and trust the people and devices on the network.

Alternatively, when you set a network as Public, Windows turns off the network discovery feature and imposes various firewall restrictions. This keeps your PC from appearing on the network, effectively preventing others from connecting to it. If you're using Wi-Fi in a coffee shop, airport, library, or any other public location, you should set the network profile type to Public.

1. Set the Network Profile to Public or Private via the Settings App

The Settings app provides an easy way to change the network profile type on Windows 11. Here are the steps you need to follow.

  1. Open the Start menu and click the gear-shaped icon or use the Win + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Network & internet > Wi-Fi. If it’s a wired connection, click on Ethernet instead.
  3. Click on your network’s name to open its properties.
  4. Under Network profile type, select Public network or Private network.
    Change Network Profile Type via Settings App

You can repeat the above steps to change the network profile type for other saved networks as well.

2. Set the Network Profile to Public or Private With Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a reliable tool for performing various administrative tasks and troubleshooting system issues. You can also use the tool to change the network profile type of your current network.

To change the network profile type using Windows PowerShell, follow these steps.

  1. Press Win + X or right-click on the Start icon to open the Power User menu.
  2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
  3. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
  4. Run the following command to view the current network profile type for your network.
            Get-NetConnectionProfile
        
  5. Check your network’s profile type from the NetworkCategory field.
  6. Run the following command to change the network profile type for your network.
            Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "NetworkName" -NetworkCategory <Type>
        
    Change Network Profile Type With Windows PowerShell

Replace NetworkName in the above command with the actual name of your network. Replace <Type> with network profile type—Public or Private.

Once you run the above command, the network profile type will be changed.

3. Set the Network Profile to Public or Private Using the Registry Editor

Another way to change the network profile type on Windows is via the Registry Editor. As you may be aware, modifying registry files without knowledge is risky. Hence, you should only use this method if you know what you're doing.

Even if you’re familiar with editing registry files, you should consider creating a restore point before you proceed with the changes below. If you need help, refer to our guide on how to create a restore point in Windows and follow the steps outlined there.

Once you've created a restore point, use the following steps to change the network profile type on Windows.

  1. Click the search icon on the taskbar or press Win + S to open the search menu.
  2. Type registry editor and select the first result that appears.
  3. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
  4. Use the left pane to navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > NetworkList > Profiles.
  5. Within the Profiles key, you'll find several subkeys, each of which represents a saved network profile type. You can select a key and check its ProfileName from the right pane.
  6. Once you find the key corresponding to your network, double-click the Category DWORD value.
  7. In the Value data field, enter 0 to set the network type to Public. If you want to set the network profile type as Private, enter 1.
  8. Click OK to save changes.
    Change Network Profile Type via Registry Editor

You’ll need to restart your PC to apply the network profile change.

4. Set the Network Profile to Public or Private via Local Security Policy

Lastly, you can also change the network profile type on Windows using the Local Security Policy app. Setting the network profile type with Local Security Policy overrides the user's choice in the Settings app. This way, you can prevent other users from changing the network profile type without your permission.

It’s worth noting that this method will only work if you’re using the Professional, Education, or Enterprise edition of Windows. If you’re using Windows Home edition, you’ll have to rely on the methods listed above.

Follow the steps below to change your network profile type to Public or Private using the Local Security Policy.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command.
  2. Type secpol.msc in the Open field and press Enter.
  3. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
  4. In the Local Security Policy window, click Network List Manager Policies from the left pane.
  5. Double-click on your network’s name to open its properties.
  6. Switch to the Network Location tab.
  7. Under the Location type section, select Public or Private.
  8. Under User permissions, select User cannot change location, if you want to prevent others from changing the network profile type for your network. If you do not wish to impose such a restriction, select Not configured or Users can change the location instead.
  9. Click OK to save changes.
    Change Network Profile Type via Local Security Policy

Changing the Network Profile Type on Windows, Made Easyu

In most cases, you’d be better off setting your network connection type as public. Unless, of course, you’re looking to share files and printer devices with other PCs on the network. In any case, changing the network profile type on Windows is simple, and you can use any of the methods listed above.