Windows 10: Public vs Private

I am confused between Public and Private.


I used my computer at home. For internet, to play online games, for browsing. Normal stuff. I don't work outside the home. I have DSL. So far Windows 10 has me on a Homegroup. I don't know if that's good or bad. Remember - I don't have a clue whether I need or want to be discoverable (whatever that means) I just want to get on the Internet, use my browser and play some games. It's not rocket science.


For some reason I'm assigned to a Homegroup. However, I've noticed that downloads take longer and Windows Update doesn't work right. Update starts a download, seems to finish it (current download is 1803) but never installs it. Go figure.


Can someone tell me what's going on? I just want to use my browser, maybe download a game or program ( to fix this stupid problem for one) and to play Elder Scrolls Online. Please, someone help.

:)

 

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.

 

Private or Public


I just noticed in Windows defender My network is listed as public. Does it matter if my network is listed as private or public. I found how to change it if I have to. I just want to know if it matters. I don't know if this has anything to do with it or not. In the network box on the task bar it only shows my wi-fi connections and not my wired connection. I'm connected by wire to the router. I'm using build 10162 upgraded from Windows 8.1.1.

 

How to change the network setting (Private, public, etc)

this answer from a different Microsoft page worked for me


Giridhar
J replied on

• Microsoft

Accomplishments

• Microsoft

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.