How to change Windows 10 network location from Public to Private
Ever found yourself with a Windows system that won't let you browse other computers or printers on the local network? If you're on a public connection such as an airport or hotel Wi-Fi, this expected behavior is good. But even if you're at home, Windows sometimes mysteriously winds up with this Public network type. Yes, Network Location Awareness might guess wrong. Thankfully, the simple fix usually takes under 30 seconds, with the article below created entirely on my SuperServer Workstation.
You'll need to know your exact Windows version to get to the exact fix below that's for you. Press your keyboard's Windows key + R, type winver, then press the Enter key. Note your Version number (as pictured below with a red box around the version), then click on the matching number in this list:
Windows 10 October 2020 Update, aka version 20H2 OS Build 198042.685
Windows 10 May 2020 Update
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Version 1709 Build 16299
Windows 10 April 2018 Update, Version 1803 Build 17134
Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Version 1809 Build 17763
Windows 10 May 2019 Update, Version 1903 Build 18362
Windows 10 Jan 2020 Update, Version 1909 Build 18363
It's gotten much easier since all previous Windows 10 versions, thank you Microsoft! It's also rather nice that the fix is exactly the same in 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, and 1909. Here's the step-by-step instructions, with screenshots:
Fix for Wi-Fi Network Connections
- left-click the tiny Wi-Fi network icon (beams icon) in your system tray at bottom-right, near your clock)
- left-click on Properties below the network item near the top of the menu, such as PAB's iPhone pictured in this example, use whatever your Wi-Fi network's name is, also known as the SSID
- at the top, under Network profile, change from Public to Private
Fix for Wired Network Connections
- left-click the tiny network icon (computer screen symbol) in your system tray at bottom-right (near your clock), then a menu pops up
- left-click the first network item that comes up near the top of the menu, such as Network Connected or similar network name
- under the top section labeled Ethernet, left-click the first network item that comes up near the top, such as Network Connected
- at the top, under Network profile, change from Public to Private
Windows 10 Creators Update, Version 1703 Build 15063
Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Version 1607 Build 14393
All versionssince 1607 use the same fix, with menus appearing nearly the same, with identical wording:
Make this PC discoverable
Allow your PC to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on this
network. We recommend turning this on for private networks at
home or work, but turning it off for public networks to help keep
your stuff safe.
Fix for Wi-Fi Network Connection - Video
Fix for Wired Network Connection - Video
Fix for Wi-Fi Network Connection - Instructions
Step 1 - click on the Wi-Fi icon in the System Tray
Step 2 & 3 - click on the 'Connected' Wi-Fi connection at the top of the list, submenu opens, click 'Properties'
Step 4 - under 'Make this PC discoverable' move the slider to 'On'
Fix for Wired Network Connection - Instructions
Step 1 & 2 - click on the Network icon in the System Tray, click on your Network Connection that shows 'Connected'.png
Step 3 - click on your Network Connection that shows 'Connected'
Step 4 - under 'Make this PC discoverable' move the slider to 'On'
No single fix works for everybody, with several fix methods listed in the original post below. Many were improved by some helpful commenters below. The most successful & common fix is shown above, taking under 30 seconds. More techniques appear below.
Jul 12 2016 Update
Windows 10 November Update, Version 1511 Build 10586
Windows 10 RTM, Version 1507 Build 10240 (initial release)
These instructions look the same for Builds 15063, 14393, 10586, and 10240, see Windows version details in the table here.
Below is an archive for reference, and yes, Microsoft completely changed how the user interface looks in Version 1607, which has been detailed above.
Table of Contents - 4 Methods
-
HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Video)
HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Screenshots) -
Find devices and content toggle - WiFi (Video)
Find devices and content toggle - Wired (Video) - Run gpedit.msc - requires admin rights (Video)
Change from Public Network to Private Network (Windows 10)
1. HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Video)
1. HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Screenshots)
2. Find devices and content toggle - WiFi (Video)
2. Find devices and content toggle - Wired (Video)
3. HomeGroup Troubleshooter (Video)
4. Run gpedit.msc, requires admin rights (Video)
This fix carries risk, and could put you on a private network type in the future, when connecting to an unknown (new) network. Proceed at your own risk:
- click the Start button, type
gpedit.mscthen press Enter key - click Computer Configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Network List Manager Policies
- double-click on Unidentified Networks / change Location type from Not configured to Private then click OK to close the window
Interested in reading more about the Microsoft Networking security implications of network location? See also Microsoft's Choosing a network location.
Original blog post from Jan 05 2015 below (Windows 10 Insider Preview / Beta).
History of the solution for various Windows 10 Insider Preview builds
-
See Build 9926 Jan 25 2015 Update below.
With the January 23 2015 release of Build 9926, it became obvious Microsoft is still moving things around quite a bit. The new method of changing from Public to Private on build 9926 is described. -
See Build 10041 March 26 2015 Update below.
With the March 18 2015 release called Windows 10 Technical Preview ISO March Update Build 10041, they've changed it yet again. -
See Build 10074 May 01 2015 Update below.
-
See Build 10130 June 15 2015 Update below.
-
See Build 10159 July 03 2015 Update below.
- See Build 10240 July 29 2015 Update below.
This "real" release that became generally available on Jul 29 2015. Network type change methods seem to have remained the same ever since.
Jan 25 2015 Update
With the Jan 23 2015 release of build 9926, it’s become obvious Microsoft is still moving things around quite a bit. Here’s the new method of changing from Public to Private on build 9926.
On Wired or WiFi connections that are stuck in Public:
- press the Windows Key (on your keyboard)
- type Homegroup, a “HomeGroup” menu will come up, press enter
- a “Change network location” link appears, click/tap it
- Next, the “Networks” dialogue will slide in the from the right, asking
“Do you want to find PCs, devices, and content on this network, and automatically connect to devices like printers and TVs? We recommend that you do this on your home and work networks.”
Tap/click on “Yes”
That’s it, you’re now in the desired private network mode.
Mar 26 2015 Update
For build 10041, here's the modified way to do the same thing.
- press the Windows Key (on your keyboard) or Start button
- type HomeGroup, and “HomeGroup” will be on top and selected, press Enter
- select the blue link "Change network location"
- tap/click on "Yes" when prompted with
“Do you want to find PCs, devices, and content on this network, and automatically connect to devices like printers and TVs? We recommend that you do this on your home and work networks.” - optionally, you can confirm by right-clicking on the network tray icon, then left-clicking "Open Network and Sharing Center" notice it now shows "Private network"
May 01 2015 Update
For build 10074, here's the modified way to do the same thing, for folks where searching for HomeGroup (as seen above in 10041) simply doesn't work. It's possible there is some A / B testing going on here, as discussed at this spot on Windows Weekly 411. The method below will work without relying on search.
- click or tap the Start button
- Settings
- Network & Internet
- Ethernet
- HomeGroup
- Change network location
- "Do you want to find PCs, devices..." select Yes
June 15 2015 Update
For build 10130, see what Jason has to say in the dialog below
I had to run the home group troubleshooter and it gave me the option to apply the fix to change my network to private.
So I recorded a video how to:
and documented the step-by-step:
- press the Windows Key (on your keyboard) or Start button
- type HomeGroup, and “HomeGroup” will be on top and selected, press Enter
- select "Find and fix problems with homegroup"
- select on "Next"
- select on "Troubleshoot network problems"
- select on "Explore additional options"
- close the "Additional Information" window
- when "Change the network location to Private" window comes up, select "Apply this fix"
- when "Troubleshooting has completed" window comes up, select "Close"
July 03 2015 Update
For build 10159, it's pretty easy again, back to the to the same procedure as we used to have way back on build 10041:
- press the Windows Key (on your keyboard) or Start button
- type HomeGroup, and “HomeGroup” will be on top and selected, press Enter
- select the blue link "Change network location"
- tap/click on "Yes" when prompted with
“Do you want to find PCs, devices, and content on this network, and automatically connect to devices like printers and TVs? We recommend that you do this on your home and work networks.” - optionally, you can confirm by right-clicking on the network tray icon, then left-clicking "Open Network and Sharing Center" notice it now shows "Private network"
July 29 2015 Update
For build 10240, which is now generally available, what we have is the same procedure as it was back on 10041 and 10159, which is the following:
- press the Windows Key (on your keyboard) or Start button
- type HomeGroup, and “HomeGroup” will be on top and selected, press Enter
- select the blue link "Change network location"
- tap/click on "Yes" when prompted with
“Do you want to find PCs, devices, and content on this network, and automatically connect to devices like printers and TVs? We recommend that you do this on your home and work networks.” - optionally, you can confirm by right-clicking on the network tray icon, then left-clicking "Open Network and Sharing Center" notice it now shows "Private network"
Jan 03 2016 Update
These network location change methods also work with:
Microsoft Windows
Version 1511 (OS Build 10586.36)
Jan 08 2016 Update
Animated GIFs were removed, in favor of smaller and better looking autoplay HTML5 video, with audio (muted by default) and full playback controls, so you can pause at will, on any frame.
Oct 18 2016 Update
Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607, Build 14393.187) and Windows Server 2016 (Version 1607, Build 10.0.14393) have been released, and so far, I don't see any need to update the above screenshots and videos, since most of these fixes still work the same way. Admittedly, I still have further testing to do.
Nov 07 2016 Update
There are some UI changes in Windows 10 Anniversary Update, so updating the contents above could make the instructions a bit clearer. I will try to make the time for revisions.
Oct 18 2017 Update
Added Version 1709, and thankfully, it's finally gotten much easier to fix! Oddly, searching for "network location" or "network profile" in Search/Cortana still comes up with nothing. It would appear Microsoft telemetry data might not really ndicate just how many people struggle to find this setting, which keeps moving around in the Windows 10 UI between builds.
Here's the clear new verbeage Microsoft uses in the Network profile section of Settings:
Network profile
- Public
Your PC is hidden from other devices on the network and can't be
used for printer and file sharing.- Private
For a network you trust, such as at home or work. Your PC is
discoverable and can be used for printer and file sharing if you set
it up.
May 27 2019 Update
1803 and 1809 were already added at a date I didn't track. Today, I added 1903.
Mar 18 2020 Update
Article updated, with build point release table added below:
- Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Version 1709 Build 16299.19
- Windows 10 April 2018 Update, Version 1803 Build 17134.1
- Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Version 1809 Build 17763.1
- Windows 10 May 2019 Update, Version 1903 Build 18362.116
- Windows 10 Jan 2020 Update, Version 1909 Build 18363.720
See also at TinkerTry
- How to change Windows 10 network location from Private to Public
Oct 29 2015
If you're trying to go in the opposite direction, this article is for you!
- Superguide: Veeam Endpoint Backup FREE
Free way to back up and restore your family's Windows 10 PCs, using a local disk or any Windows or NAS network share.
See also
-
How to Set Network Location to be Public or Private in Windows 10
Jun 07 2015 by Brink at Windows Ten Forums - Network Location Awareness (NLA) and how it relates to Windows Firewall Profiles
Sep 08 2010 by Michael Platts at Windows Networking Blog
In this Wiki page, you can see the version number consists for the first 2 digits being the year, and the second 2 digits being the month the finalized bits were released to Window Insiders, which was usually a month or two before the GA (Generally Available) date.
- Windows 10 version history
Wikipedia:Version 1507 Build 10.0.10240 GA'd on 07/29/2015, First Release/GA/RTM, codename Threshold 1
Version 1511 Build 10.0.10586 GA'd on 11/12/2015, November Update, codename Threshold 2
Version 1607 Build 10.0.14393 GA'd on 08/02/2016, Anniversary Update, codename Redstone 1
Version 1703 Build 10.0.15063 GA'd on 04/05/2017, Creators Update, codename Redstone 2
Version 1709 Build 10.0.16299 GA on 10/17/2017, Fall Creators Update, codename Redstone 3
Version 1803 Build TBD (ETA 1Q2018), codename Redstone 4
All Comments on This Article (121)
Hey im on windows 10 (education) 1803 build 17134.1365 and the option to switch between private and public doesnt show up when i select my ethernet connection in the settings ,instead it asks me to set a datalimit or to copy my ethernets connection properties , can you help me please?
thank for good information.
Did you find a way to change the network location? Any chance you’re not an administrator, or maybe your company locks things down?
Windows 10 Pro build 1809 your process for hard wired connections does not work as clicking to open the "Ethernet" section of "Settings" only shows the options to toggle metering on or off, or to set data limits on the network.
I have version 1803 and there is nothing that says "Network Profile" on that page.
Thanks! This was the only way for me to do it in build 1701.
All good points, thanks Thomas.
Caveat some of these later version fixes only work on the administrative account. Unfortunately the networking connections area is one place that lacks a right click Run As Administrator option to get menu and rights to change things for that account.
Granted most home and small business user only have an administrative account and use it for everything. But technically its a bit more secure to use a non-administrative account for every day work.
Looking it up but betting it requires registry editing or some really hidden method to make non-admin account network connections private instead of public.
Probably a MS knee-jerk philosophical thing that assumes non-Administrators should be restricted to Public or Domain connections. Trying to kill off using workgroups for homes and small business I guess. Prepping to sell Everyone Domain Controller service -- either self-operated Enterprise-Small Business versions OR force individual and small groups onto some new cloud based DC services like they did Office.
Ok, here's what i found out and it may be useful for many of you that can't find why none of these tips work.
If you use a 3rd party firewall that comes with an antivirus (like Avast Premium), you have to go to the firewall settings and change the network type to private from there as it overrides windows' settings.
I didn't look into the Windows firewall if it has some similar setting so you may want to look at it if you don't use any 3rd party firewall.
Perhaps try Network Troubleshooter?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/windows-fix-network-connection-issues
That sounds more like a network configuration issue than a network location issue, since even machines with an ethernet location in Public Location settings can surf the web just fine.
This did not help. On 1803 wired connection, the only option after clicking on Ethernet is "Unidentified Network. No internet." Every other computer in the house gets internet fine though.
Thank you for taking the time to inform readers of this alternative, it is likely to be greatly appreciated by many folks!
Excellent, thank you for the feedback and specific tip, my readers and I really appreciate it!
These methods did not work for me. I am on 1803. Homegroup interface has been removed. Method that worked for me:
From here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-networking/switch-from-public-to-private-network-on-windows/e44851eb-7aa5-4007-a745-9c4470c2e517
=====
Open an administrator PowerShell by searching
"powershell" in the start menu, right clicking it and selecting "Run as
administrator", or by using the win+x shortcut and selecting "Windows
PowerShell (Admin)"
Then in PowerShell type (or copy+paste)
Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "put your network name here" -NetworkCategory Private
If you aren't sure, you can get the name of your network with
Get-NetConnectionProfile
=========
Sorry I wasn't of more assistance, but I really appreciate the follow-up. I think this little video:
https://TinkerTry.com/how-to-change-windows-10-network-type-from-public-to-private#Fix4
does something similar to the registry edit you made, but so glad you got things working!
Hi again
I found this article
https://www.itechtics.com/change-network-type-windows-10/#1-_Using_Windows_Settings
that works fine for me using windows registry.
I have not try ohter ways
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/35236c07dd3cfe46f1fcf7fd047ea261b47cf67d2be0ef2ce46dff396b4f5416.png Hello
I am using windows familly 1709 (french version) and still cannot change my wifi network from public to private.
When I follow the nice step by step tutorial, at the last step I don't have network profile section with selection of private or public.
It looks like my screen shot
Any one can help ?
thanks
Christian
This is so entirely stupid. I don't know if not being logged in as admin makes it different but I don't have the Network profile options in Network settings. Only way I managed to change from public to private was through the troubleshooter.
Interesting that it changed, maybe a new WiFi driver was installed and that’s when it got forgetful, anyhow, glad this article helped! See more about early days/Windows for Workgroups at:
https://TinkerTry.com/how-i-barely-missed-the-famous-cornell-visits-by-steve-sinofsky-bill-gates-and-steve-jobs-to-wired-well-connected-cornell-u
Thanks! The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update changed my LAN from private to (blocked) public, but only on my laptop wifi, not on my workstation Ethernet. I guess they wanted to make sure things were even more confusing (ping one way: OK, ping the other: no reply.)
I have 34 years of experience with Windows networking, and for most of them, it has been a huge piece of sh*t from A to Z.
Thank you for the feedback, have a great day!
wow... I mean, it's just terrific! Easy and clear. Fixed my problem in 2 seconds! Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing the secret, I was trying to do the same thing, modifying the registries to reproduce the error, but in my case this happened on machines that are in a domain network and is breaking my domain firewall policies and closing communication ports and I have not been succesful on reproducing this problem again.
Thanks again for keeping this updated!
Glad you asked! No secret, it's one of the many joys of using virtual machines, using snapshots for instant roll back for when things go wrong. Had to do some creative registry edits to get network names right for screenshots.
I can't believe how long this article is staying relevant, just used the article myself to fix my re-imaged corporate laptop last week. Also amazed by how much Microsoft keeps moving the fix around.
Greetings Paul,
Thanks for this amazing post and for sharing all the different solutions to this common problem.
Quick question. How do you manage to reproduce this problem and try different suggestions??
Once I fixed it in one on my machines is gone for good but I would like to reproduce it for testing and I don't want to use more than one machine from my lab for this.
Thanks!
Thank you Paul.
Fixed my problem!
~MarkC831~
Build 1150 or something like that
Ran the homegroup troubleshooter, that then opened yet another troubleshooter and then that one did it for me.
very confusing compared to w7 even though it's more automated
will it affect to other PC?
That's good advice. Unfortunately, by the time people seek answers, emotions have already taken a toll.
I originally wrote this tip for my own reference. I agree, this should be simpler, strange how many times Microsoft has moved this location change feature, without adding something like "Change Network Location" to the built-in help and/or Cortana.
Well it's always a pleasure to find clear guides for stuff even that simple. Especially when it's simple as that but you'd have no clue on how to do it without such a guide. So keep up the good work.
Given the recent update to this article, having feedback is very helpful, thank you, for taking the time to comment!
Thanks a lot !
found home group in control panel. thank you so much, that was incredibly easy
Sigh, I wish it were made simpler, wish the problem solver was better, so much frustration from this one issue, and so many possible fixes...
Doesn't work really, the link to adjust the settings isn't there and the problem solver doesn't know what the problem is.
Wired connections are hopeless with win10...
Yeah, I don't know why either. I will add that years of consulting has led me to trying to avoid emotion, and instead working to constructively help people make the best use of what they already have.
Why do MicroCRAP have to make things so difficult? They originally claimed that they were introducing the ultimate, Final solution the best windows yet? windows 7 was fine, windows 10 is the biggest load of RUBBISH on the Planet! Nothing works as it should, not one of the troubleshooters ever works! it virtually impossible to find anything and worst of all it can suddenly change settings without telling you what has been done and why!
SInce I use both an XP computer and several linux samba computers on my home network, any solution that involves the HomeGroup is incompatible with my home network.
TYVM, #1 worked right off for me.
I had searched for hours, used the build in "help", I had not planned on setting up a Homegroup and therefore had no reason to venture into that. Why would MS put this function where only a select group of people would stumble across it? Why are these fixes not found by their offline help?
Excellent, sounds even easier than John Doe's comment.
Will need to test its use on a fresh install of Windows 10.
Practicality for the average user TBD, but I suspect will likely be more for folks comfortable editing their registry. I really appreciate your taking the time to share this!
Easiest way in an Elevated Powershell command prompt:
Get-NetConnectionProfile | %{ Set-NetConnectionProfile -NetworkCategory Private }
Why not just use Powershell:
Get-NetAdapter
Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceAlias NAME -NetworkCategory Private
or
Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex IFINDEX -NetworkCategory Private
It worked for me. I had problems with the Edge etc and this solved them. Thanks.
Which version of Windows? Are you an Administrator? This is admittedly a complex thing to troubleshoot, especially if you're on a corporate domain. If you're not, several different fixes to attempt, did you try them all?
There is no option on my laptop to change the network to Private
Always good to hear that.
Thanks!! That worked!
Consider more desperate measures, such as the gpedit.msc fix:
https://tinkertry.com/how-to-change-windows-10-network-type-from-public-to-private#Fix4gpedit
If not, perhaps Microsoft support might help:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/contact-support
Ver. 1511 here. Sorry but I've been looking everywhere and there is no 'change network location' button on any screen anywhere that I can find. Been trying for over 2 hours. Several other locations in different locations also. Sucks to be me!
There is this comment https://tinkertry.com/how-to-change-windows-10-network-type-from-public-to-private#comment-2326932187 which might do the trick for you, but also might get you in hot water with your admin.
My statements above are likely the same for any build number, but I don't know for sure, since admittedly this article focuses on folks with admin rights.
I'm just not sure that's possible, I'm sorry to say Fc. If you have admin rights to your WiFi router, you may be able to trick network location awareness into knowing it's home by changing the DNS server it gives to DHCP clients, from something like 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) or your ISP's DNS, instead giving DHCP clients the IP of the router itself. But it's a long shot.
Helpful! Thanks!
Great to hear it!
Video now added to the article above. Still working on HTML5 embedded content like this, with enhancements coming in the future. Thank you again, Luke!
Luke Harris, very nicely done, thank you! I actually was configuring a fresh Windows 10 Build 1511 install from ISO in a private lab with no DHCP, and of course, Windows assumed I wanted Public. Your technique worked, and it's easier/cleaner than editing the registry or using gpedit.msc, working on a video to be added, to further improve this article. Thank you, you directly contributed to the internet, and thank you so much for taking the time to type this up!
For anyone who can't see the blue link in the HomeGroup options, run the troubleshooter for HomeGroup, BUT select the 'advanced' option at the bottom and uncheck 'apply repairs automatically'. Now run through the troubleshooter and you will get to a section with optional repairs, ensure that the checkboxes are selected to set the network to Private. Finish the troubleshooter and you should now be on a Private Network. If you forget the network and re-join, it remains as a Private Network
FYI, I have now improved the video quality and playback options, for the majority of folks who can do the 30 second fix.
Haven't had a chance to try your novel, non-admin workaround quite yet.
Wow, that's a unique approach that I hadn't heard of, very interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this!
I just found this and thought I'd offer a suggestion in case nothing else is working. As a default you may not be the admin for windows. To enable the Windows 10 administrator account do the following:
Tap on the Windows-key. This should open the start menu or bring you to the Start Screen interface depending on how Windows 10 is configured on the system.
Type cmd
Right-click no the Command Prompt result and select "run as administrator" from the context menu.
Type: net user administrator /active:yes
The administrator account is active now which means that you can sign in to the system using it. It is not password protected by default which means that anyone with access to the system can use it to sign in to it.
to protect it with a password
Type: net user administrator * and hit enter.
You get a password prompt. Type the desired password and again when you are asked to type it a second time for confirmation.
Hope it helps
Perfect, thanks for the info I'm a Systems Admin and was struggling to find where to change it :)
Yep, yet another approach, thanks jebozwell!
thanks!
Gosh, no problem, I suspect things felt better once printing resumed ;-)
Have a great day!
Sorry I was really stressed and tired trying to make my printer work when I wrote that.
Well, at least I have a 28 second looping animated GIF version (above), which is admittedly helping more than the longer YouTube version.
That video just wasted 1:17 on explaining something that should have taken 7 seconds
Thank you much appreciated.
Excellent tutorial! I don't understand why Windows 10 likes to hide settings like this.
Perhaps try the registry editing approach, if you're comfortable doing that (and have a full backup):
https://TinkerTry.com/how-to-change-windows-10-network-type-from-public-to-private#comment-2201212346
hey im having problem using ethernet ( powerline). the part where you click on the device to set it from public to private. im not getting that option .
Yes, the process hasn't changed between 10041 and 10240, haven't had a chance to re-record the same video for 10240. It also looks like I didn't get the description quite right, fixed it now, thanks to your feedback. Thank you, and for sharing a registry approach that worked for you!
For 10240, the movie you show is for 10041?
I could not do this on 10240. Had to change it throught Registry editor. HKLM>Software>WindowsNT>CurrentVersion>NetworkList>"NetworkID">Category
0=public
1=Private
Cool, thank you, x3mghost!
I love exploring alternatives. Thinking through how this would behave in various situations. Noticing my network for my gigabit adapter is in private already, and this how how the defaults for secpol.msc appear (Not configured and Not configured), pictured for "Unidentified Networks." But it's the same for the "Network" device that is already in private mode.
In win10, right click start and run secpol.msc. Go to Network list manager policies-->unidentified netw and change from public to private..
If I change a network to private then I cannot access shared network drives connected to the home wifi router. What is worse is if a network is set to private changing it back to public still won't allow access. I have been through all the network file and printer sharing to no avail. Windows 10 is a horrible mish mash. M$ has really screwed us PC Desktop users.
Wow, that's is quite the creative workaround, and I really appreciate your taking the time to type this up. Will be curious to see if this helps others, sure hope so. That freeze sounds pretty serious (I've now installed the "final" Windows 10 release on 6 machines, only one having some issues with video drivers. The rest were mostly smooth sailing, although several still chose the wrong network location (Public) after a reboot or two, so this article apparently continues to be of value. I'm thinking if DNS isn't DHCP fed and instead is hard coded, it might think this means a Public network, not sure about that yet, will need more time and testing...
Hey Paul, as I wrote in my post I couldn't sidestep it via the homegroup troubleshooting, there was just no such option as "change to private" when I ran it. Nevertheless, after the fourth clean installation I noticed that the problems start with the login to my MS account - I reinstall W10, I start it for the first time, I log in to my MS account and then it starts (reproducably): W10 freezes so that I have to force a restart via the hardware button. Another bootup, another freeze. After that Windows Update and the Windows Appstore won't work.
With my last workaround it seems that I could manage to sidestep the problem: Before I add an account I turn off every network connection available so that the account wizard is forced to offer me to add a local acc. Since then I never had any of the above mentioned problems again. I hope this might be a help to anyone else.
Hopefully you spotted the new videos posted above, that should fix the issue for you (but admittedly still doesn't explain why that "change network location" isn't there for everybody).
Thank you very much! :)
Ah, ok, thank you, then the new videos above should really help out, side-stepping the need for that "change network location" button, at the expense of some extra mouse clicks. If you could let us know how it goes, it'd be greatly appreciated!
I think he's referring to the button I'm missing as well - "change network location".
Videos now published, and article above now updated.
Thank you! So many ways, I found yet another recently too, will likely be creating a YouTube video out of it soon, which I'll upload to the TinkerTry YouTube Channel
https://tinkertry.com/videos
I do have an alternative method I'll be uploading to YouTube soon, but if you're missing stuff, I'm guessing it's unlikely to help, and you may have a more serious issue (corrupt registry, bad network device configuration, etc). By the way, which button is missing? Both WiFi and Wired?
(edit - added Aug 7 2015, I did not see the image above (that is missing the "change network location" link) when I originally replied, sorry Guru of Time, you were very clear with your question)
This document is great and all, but i don't have the button listed in every version of the fix.
In the release, you can go to "Network & Internet" click on "Ethernet" then click on the icon on the right ex "Ethernet 0 / Connected"
Then you get to the Find devices and can turn off/on
Hey there, first I want to thank you for your documentation, I think it could help me with the allegedly linked problem that my Windows services aren't working (therefore I can't use Windows Update). Also the general performance is inacceptable (freezes, forced shutdowns etc.) When I run the troubleshooting there's no such option as changing the network location and when I try to klick the "Change network location" button in the homegroup menu it's not there. Could you maybe help me with this particular problem? Many thanks in advance!
EDIT: I think it all started when I deleted the windows.old folder which shouldn't be a problem since I did it via the Windows cleanup service. But I think there might be a connection.
Sorry I probably wasnt clear enough its the wired ethernet that having problems and thats causing me to have to use a dongle to connect as the wired connection wont change form identified. Ive had this problem 5 or 6 times but i just turned my pc on this morning and its working fine but it will definitely change to unidentified again at some point
Hard for me to weigh in, because I don't use kaspersky, try to uninstall it and reboot, and see if the behavior changes. Or perhaps new drivers for the wireless dongle.
I just installed windows 10 and am having this very issue sometimes when i turn on my computer it works fine sometimes its unidentified and i have to use a wireless dongle. There is no option to change network location ANYWHERE and also when i run the homegroup troubleshoot it identifoes the problem and fixes it however after it says fixed the network remains unidentified. please help is it possibly a kaspersky issue also
You are welcome! (for some strange reason, this article seems to be extra popular today ;-)
I'm gonna try my current build when I get home (which may be a final - fingers crossed).
Why even have this artificial network model at all? Adds zero value.
It's exhibiting the same behavior in 240 also. What a mess!
Just how complicated can they make this!!!!
Windows 10 is a bigger disaster than Windows 8. It is setting Ethernet to public and none of the above works. None!
Well, might be faster and easier to just download the new 10162 (no login required) and use Rufus to make a bootable USB installer, all explained at https://TinkerTry.com/download-windows-10, hope this helps!
I'm using build 10158 which only updated 2 days ago. I'm also having issues with it being a verified version now too :(
Curious, what build you on? 10162 is now out https://TinkerTry.com/download-windows-10 and I've made appropriate updates to the above article (changing to private just got easier, again ;-)
I'm having issues with this aswell. I ran the troubleshooter and followed the guide by by the letter, without success.
Why you can't just manually change it is beyond me. Come on MS, one more patch please.
I'm kind of assuming it was Build 10130, since your suggestion works nicely there, and I've even recorded a video and updated the above article accordingly. Thank you for taking the time to make TinkerTry better, Josh J.!
Interesting, thank you Josh J. Which exact build was that?
I had to run the home group troubleshooter and it gave me the option to apply the fix to change my network to private. Never saw a link to be able to.
For those interested, to change windows 10 network type from private/public to Domain, I needed to remove my PC from the domain and then add it again, and then reboot
Thank you George!
Yeah, you're right, using search for "homegroup" seems to eternally just spin without finding any results, even after letting the indexing catch up.
But this works right away:
1) click or tap the Start button
2) Settings
3) Network & Internet
4) Ethernet
5) HomeGroup
6) Change network location
7) "Do you want to find PCs, devices..." select Yes
Let's hope it's less than 7 steps once it's GA, eh?
Seems they moved it again in 10074. I did as in 10041 but the change network location link is not there. So far I have not been able to find it.
That is strange, curious if perhaps Windows indexing hadn't finished (may you had just installed Windows 10?) Or perhaps you didn't wait long enough after typing it, on a non-SSD drive? Anyhow, thanks for the info, good to know!
Don, thank you! So many ways, that keep on changing.
I just noticed that the following: way works too:
1) press the Windows Key (on your keyboard)
2) type HomeGroup, and “HomeGroup” will be on top and selected, press Enter
3) select the blue link "Change network location
4) it'll say “Do you want to find PCs, devices, and content on this network, and automatically connect to devices like printers and TVs? We recommend that you do this on your home and work networks.”
Tap/click on “Yes”
Article above now updated, I appreciate your reminding me about this!
It was changed again in build 10041, just as above image except click :start the HomeGroup troubleshooter and run it
Did you give the Workgroup technique (mentioned above on Jan 25) a shot?
I agree!
re: 9926
Thank You!!! ... this should not be that difficult ....
Paul Braren | TinkerTry.com
Did you try some of the other methods described further down in the video, and do you have admin rights?