It is common to want to switch your internet connection from a public to a private network. It usually happens if you need to use resources such as a printer at your Hotspot cafe. You can read this article to learn how to change Public Network to Private Network on Windows 10.
The default connection for connecting your Windows 10 PC is set to a Public Network whenever you connect to a Public Hotspot. The main reason for Windows 10 operating system to set up such a default connection is to prevent your PC from being discoverable by other devices on the network. You are less vulnerable to cyber-attacks if your device is undiscoverable.
However, you may require to use shared resources like printers on a network, and you can't do that without switching your network setup. This article illustrates how to change Public Network to Private Network on Windows 10.
1 Using the Wi-Fi Properties Option
You can follow the steps below to switch from a public network to a private network on your Windows 10 PC.
Step 1: Log in to your Windows 10 PC using a user account with administrator privileges.
Step 2: Connect your PC to the public Wi-Fi Hotspot. The default connection for public Wi-Fi Hotspot connection is usually a public network setup.
Step 3: Click on the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right of your screen. You can click on the Up arrow icon to expand and reveal your Wi-Fi icon if it is not visible.
Step 4: Locate the network you are connected to and click on the Properties option below the connection.
Step 5: You should be able to see the properties of your Wi-Fi connection after clicking on the properties option. Select the Private radio button to switch your internet connection from Public to Private.
2. Using the Windows 10 PowerShell Option
The PowerShell option is ideal for persons seeking to automate Windows 10 services on their PC. You can use the following procedure to switch your internet connection from Public to Private.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows 10 start bar located at the bottom right of your taskbar. Click on the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option to launch the PowerShell terminal with administrator privileges.
Step 2: Ensure you are connected to the internet before typing [Get-NetConnectionProfile] on the PowerShell terminal. Hit the Enter key afterward to find out the name of your internet connection.
Step 3: Take note of your internet connection Name and confirm the NetworkCategory of your connection is Public.
Step 4: Type and execute the following command replacing the NetworkName with the Name of your internet connection.
Type [Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name “NetworkName” -NetworkCategory Private] and hit the Enter key.
Step 4: Wait for the command to execute, and type [Get-NetConnectionProfile] on the terminal before hitting the Enter key to verify that your connection is now Private.
3. Using the Windows 10 Security Protocol Tool Option
The Windows 10 Security Protocol Tool is a resourceful utility to diagnose and repair security breaches on your OS. This method is advanced because it prevents other users on your OS from switching the network location configuration by clicking on the radio button.
You can use the following procedure to convert your internet connection from Public to Private.
Step 1: Start by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Windows 10 RUN utility.
Step 2: Click on the Search box and type [secpol.msc] before hitting the Enter key to launch the Windows 10 Security Protocol Tool.
Step 3: Wait for the Security Protocol Tool to launch and locate the Network List Manager Policies folder on the left pane. Click on the Network List Manager Policies folder to access advanced options for your internet connection.
Step 4: Locate your network by double-clicking on the relevant Network Name on the right panel of your Security Protocol Tool. You can open the Windows PowerShell and type [Get-NetConnectionProfile] before hitting Enter on the PowerShell terminal to know the name of your internet connection.
Step 5: Wait for the Properties Window of your internet connection to launch with advanced options.
Step 6: Select the Private radio button option under the Location type option.
Step 7: Click on the Ok button at the bottom to confirm your changes. You can then click on the Apply option to make your change effective.
Step 8: You can go back to your Windows PowerShell and type [Get-NetConnectionProfile] before hitting the Enter key.
Check and confirm that your NetworkCategory has switched from Private to Public.
Conclusion
You can use any of the above procedures to change the Network Category of your internet connection. Switching your internet connection from a Public to a Private connection gives your operating system the requisite permission to make your PC discoverable on a network.
Making your PC discoverable on a network improves connectivity to shared resources like printers and servers. Ensure you are on a trusted network before switching the NetworkCategory of your internet connection to prevent malicious cyber-attacks on your PC.
