Windows 10: Public vs Private networks and how to change it from the default of Public for privacy...

My network is set to Public but I am afraid that outside parties can use it, if it is set that way. I only use a desktop computer, tablets and cell phones on my network and want to share a multi-function printer between them. How can I change this to a "Private" network and will I lose any funcitons by doing that?

:)

 

Change Network from Public to Private

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

I suggest you to follow the steps below to
change your network from Public to Private:

• 
  Type PowerShell in Search Window and then right click on it and click on
  Run as Administrator.
  
• 
  Type the following command to find your interface Index:
  Get-NetConnectionProfile
  
• 
  Use your interface index (for example 5) with this command:
  Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex 5 -NetworkCategory Private
  
• 
  Now reboot the device and check if the network has changed from Public to Private.
  

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

 

Changing Network from Public to Private

To use these steps to set a network to public or private, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version 1709.

To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select Start, then select Settings > System > About

To change a Wi-Fi network to public or private:

- Select Start, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

- Select Manage known networks, select the network you want to change, and then > select Properties.

- Under Network profile, select Public or Private.

Taken from:

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows 10

 

Public versus Private network mystery

Hi,

Thank you for the information! Windows 10 network default is Public. If I take a laptop which is set to private to a public place, will it default to public. If not, then a laptop should never be set to private. No-one is going to change it from private
to public in a public place.

If my laptop is set to public, can I print with it at home?

Thanks,

Joe