How to change Windows 8.1 network location from Public to Private

Ever found yourself with a Windows system that just won't let you browse the local network? If you're on a public connection, like at an airport or hotel WiFi, you'd expect this behavior, a good thing. If you're on a wired or WiFi connection at home, Windows may sometimes mysteriously wind up with a Public network type. You won't be able to print or scan from this PC, or Remote Desktop to it. Read more about the Microsoft Networking security implications of changing the location at Choosing a network location.

The well documented fixes for Windows 7 and Windows 8 don't work on Windows 8.1. I've got a simple 30 second animated GIF for you down below that'll clearly demonstrate an easy fix for wired connections that will likely work for you too. The fix for WiFi connections may be more complicated.
Update - it gets easier on Windows 10, as demonstrated on my SuperServer Workstation.

THE SOLUTION for Windows 8.1 - changing Public to Private

For wired network connections

For wireless (WiFi) network connections

You may or may not have luck in following along with the same procedure seen in the animation above. If it doesn't seem to work for you, over on YouTube, you'll find InterGalacticz Feb 1, 2014:

yes, after a couple hours of searching i decided to give up on google and go into the registry. i found in
HK local machine>software>microsoft>windows nt>current version>network list>profiles>{GUID}"Category"
i changed the value to 1 from 0 and it seemed to force it on, had to do this on my wireless connections, my desktops with both win 8.1 and win 7 with wired connections didnt have a problem

Yep, this method has worked for me. Do this only at your own risk, as it's really only for folks who are comfortable editing their registry using regedit.exe, have full Administrator access, and are willing to reboot after making the change.

THE SOLUTION for Windows 8.1 - changing Public to Private

For wired network connections

Screenshots followed by YouTube video.

The verification

Press Win+D to bring your desktop back into view

Sep 17 2014 Update

I have recently helped out with a relative's Windows 8.1 laptop in a new home, where he had chosen "Public" for his WiFi connection to his new router. To get him out of this pickle, the above instruction's "Find devices and content" option simply wasn't there, as other commenters below the YouTube video have sometimes noticed. And his account was not an administrative user.

So the workaround was to run regedit.msc as administrator, then followed InterGalacticz's advice above, manually editing the registy, and a reboot. Tada, fixed!

Jan 01 2015 Update

Realizing this article has become incredibly popular, I created the looping, animated GIF above that most folks will hopefully find easier.

See also at TinkerTry

• How to change Windows 10 network type from Public to Private

• Windows Task Manager auto-started as an effective CPU monitor in your system tray