Windows 11 has recently been installed on your computer or you have simply connected to a new network; hence, it might be necessary that you change the network profile from public to private to improve security and facilitate network sharing. This tutorial will show you the procedure step-by-step.
Read: How to Open BIOS in Windows 11 – Step By Step Guide
Why Change the Network from Public to Private?
There are several advantages associated with changing your network profile to private:
- Increased Safety: Private networks allow trusted devices to connect and interact, making it easier to share files and printers.
- Enhanced Confidentiality: Your device can get exposed more on open networks for attacks and unauthorized access.
- Network Sharing: Private networks enable straightforward sharing of printers and files between trusted devices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Network from Public to Private on Windows 11
1- Open Network & Internet Settings
To start with:
- Click on the Start Menu and click on Settings.
- Otherwise, use the Windows + I key combination to open Settings directly.
- In the Settings opened window, select the Network & Internet option.
2- Select the Active Network
Then select and identify which network you want:
- Under these settings (Network & Internet), there is an active network at the top side of them,
- Click on Properties under Wi-Fi or Ethernet ( It is one of them) connection which is currently being used by you–this means that it needs to be changed accordingly: “active”),
3- Change the Network Profile
Now let’s change your public network into something else:
- These may be seen in terms of having only two options namely: Public or Private within the “Network Profile Type”.
- Click on Private to change the network profile.
4- Verify the Network Profile Change
It’s important to make sure this process has worked:
- Go back to the Network & Internet settings.
- Check if it shows Private under its name again in your network profile..
Additional Steps for Advanced Settings (Optional)
For those who want more control or experience complications, here are some advanced tips:
Using Windows PowerShell
A new way also includes changing the network profile via Windows PowerShell:
- Press Windows + X, then choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- To view a list of network profiles type Get-NetConnectionProfile command and press Enter key.
- Take note of Name network you want to change and use Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name “NetworkName” -NetworkCategory Private, replacing “NetworkName” with your actual network name.
Using Local Security Policy
Another method is by using local security policies:
- Press Windows + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
- Access Network List Manager Policies.
- Double-click on your network name and go to the Network Location tab,
- Choose Private from there and click OK.
Conclusion
Changing your public network into private for better safety features of computers connected within this trusted space can be done directly through simple steps in Windows 11. To ensure that your device remains safe from any threats while at home or office; there are different ways you could do this such as going through the settings menu, using PowerShell, or opting for a local security policy editor. So as not to find ourselves in a situation whereby we have changed our settings but we do not know which ones are realizable one is advised to confirm his/her configurations after every modification.
