In Windows-based systems, starting from the seventh version, it’s become possible to specify a certain type of connections or networks used to access the Internet or join computers, which is sometimes extremely necessary, since the default OS settings for accessing computers can vary quite a lot. Next, we will look at how to change the type of network in Windows 10 with all available methods, and also dwell on why all this is needed.
Some user misconceptions regarding network type setup
But first, let's briefly look at some typical user misconceptions related to choosing your preferred type of network (connection). For some reason, the majority of uninformed users believe that a private network or connection, in comparison with a public (public) one, has a higher level of protection, since everyone who is not lazy can use a public connection, but only strictly defined people with computers that have a private network, laptops or mobile devices.
In fact, this is not so, and that is why. If you change the network type to private for a public connection in Windows 10, the system will automatically open access to all computers in the network environment. But when setting the type of network to public, security settings will have more restrictions regarding access.
Expediency of using private (home) and public (public) networks
As already understood, the main issues relate to the general access to computer terminals or mobile devices that can use the established connection. But why then might you need to change the type of connection used?
Actual steps to install a private network type are only in the case when several computers are combined into one network, and for them it is necessary to minimize restrictions on the general access to files, the speed of their transfer between computer devices, etc.
In the case of using a public connection, any device is protected much more, but at the same time, the interaction of such terminals with each other is minimized, which in some cases can even affect remote access capabilities (for example, when using the connection functions with the remote "Desktop") .
How to change the type of network (public / private) in Windows 10 in the simplest way?
The theory seems to have been sorted out a bit. Now let's move on to practical actions. So, let's see how to change the type of network in Windows 10 in the simplest way. To get started, use the Network and Sharing Center and see which type is set as the current value. If you have the latest system upgrades installed, you can change the network type in Windows 10 only from the corresponding section of the options menu.
In the "Network and Internet" section, select the status item, and then change the connection type in the advanced settings.
In systems without such upgrades, you can use the advanced settings directly in the desired section of the "Control Panel".
For each type of network, you can use personal settings (for example, for both private and public networks, enable network discovery and access to shared files or directories, and the networks themselves will only differ in name).
How to change the “Home” network type to public in Windows 10: an alternative method
Another method for changing the type of connection used is to apply the wireless settings (if one is installed).
In this case, you need to select the Wi-Fi section, check the box for the automatic connection point within range, and also deactivate the item to allow computer detection on the network. If there is no such item, you can set the required parameter in the "Control Panel".
As already understood, in Windows 10 you can change the type of "Public" network to private by performing the reverse steps, although, based on the foregoing, when you open a shared computer to both types of connection networks, they will not differ at all.
Change connection type by resetting network settings
Another technique that sometimes can also be applied. In Windows 10, you can change the network type by clicking the network reset link in the main network and Internet section (in the settings).
After that, an automatic reboot of the system will follow, and after restart, a request will be issued to identify a specific connection with the installation of one of the preferred types.
Sometimes you can use the creation of a home team to complete these steps. When you change the location on the network, a request to activate sharing will appear. If you answer in the affirmative, the home type will be set, negative - the public type.
Options for Using Group Policies, the Registry, and the PowerShell Console
Finally, consider more complex methods.
To change the type of network, you can use group policies (gpedit.msc), find the "network manager policies" section in the security settings, go to the properties of the parameter, and on the network location tab, set the type and set permissions for users.
In the registry (regedit), go through the HKLM branch to the NetworkList folder, go to the Profiles subkey and use the directory, the name of which begins with the profile identifier. On the right, the Category key is set to 0 if it is a public network, 1 for a private network and 2 for a domain network.
Finally, in the PowerShell console, launched exclusively with admin privileges, you can enter the command presented above, and add a Private attribute for the private network or Public for the public attribute after a space.
For all three of the last options for changing the type of connection used, a subsequent restart of the system is mandatory.