How to change Windows 8.1 network location from Public to Private

Posted by Paul Braren on Nov 26 2013 (updated on Feb 23 2016) in

63 Comments

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

TinkerTry.com-Exclusive-how-to-change-windows-8-1-network-type-from-public-to-private — TinkerTry.com Exclusive ‘How to change Windows 8.1 network type from Public to Private’, left-clicks seen in red, right-clicks in blue.

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.

Right-click on the ‘Network’ icon

Left-click-Open-Network-and-Sharing-Center — Left-click ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’

Notice-Network-and-Sharing-Center-incorrectly-shows-Public-network-location-even-when-at-home — Notice ‘Network and Sharing Center’ incorrectly shows ‘Public network’ location, even when at home

Move-cursor-to-bottom-right-corner-to-get-Charms-to-pop-up — Move cursor to bottom-right corner to get Charms to pop up

Choose-the-Settings-gear — Choose the Settings gear

Choose-Change-PC-settings — Choose ‘Change PC settings’

Left-click your Ethernet ‘Network’ icon [the exact name may vary]

Turn-Find-devices-and-content-slider-to-On — Turn ‘Find devices and content’ slider to On

The verification

Press Win+D to bring your desktop back into view

Right-click on the ‘Network’ icon

Notice-Network-and-Sharing-Center-correctly-shows-Private-network-location-now-when-at-home — Notice ‘Network and Sharing Center’ correctly shows ‘Private network’ location now, when at home

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.

How to change Windows 8.1 network location from Public to Private

THE SOLUTION for Windows 8.1 - changing Public to Private

For wired network connections

For wireless (WiFi) network connections

THE SOLUTION for Windows 8.1 - changing Public to Private

For wired network connections

The verification

Sep 17 2014 Update

Jan 01 2015 Update

See also at TinkerTry

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