Both Windows 11/10 provide the option to setup any Network on your computer as either Public or Private Network. Hence, it is important that you understand the Difference between Public and Private Network.
Public Vs Private Network in Windows 11/10
When you connect a Windows 11/10 computer to a WiFi or LAN network for the first time, it prompts you to confirm whether you want to make the computer discoverable by other devices on the network.
Your response to this pop-up determines whether the network that you are trying to connect to will be setup as public or private network on your computer.
If you select the option to make the computer discoverable, the network will be set up as a Private Network. If you select not to make your computer discoverable, the network will be setup as a Public Network.
The Main Difference Between Public and Private Network
When you designate a Network as Private, Windows assumes that you trust the Network and makes your computer visible or discoverable by other devices on this Network.
Since a Private Network supports Network discovery, this type of Network is suited for Sharing Files, Folders and Printers.
In the case of a Public Network, Windows makes your computer hidden from other devices and disables all network discovery features on the computer.
As a rule of thumb, you should always use a Public Network connection, when you are outside and using public Wi-Fi Networks (Coffee shop, library and others).
A Private Network should only be used to connect to connect Printers and enable File Sharing in a Home or Office environment.
1. Switch from Public to Private Network on Windows 11 Computer
If you are using Windows 11, you can switch from Public to Private Network or from Private to Public Network by going to the Network & Internet Settings menu on your computer.
1. Click on Start button > Settings Icon > Network & Internet and click on Properties in the right-pane.
2. On the next screen, you can set the Network Type to either Public or Private under “Network Profile” section.
Once you select the required option, Windows 11 will setup the Network as Private to Public, depending on your selection.
2. Switch from Public to Private Network on Windows 10 Computer
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet and click on Properties button for your active network.
2. On the next screen, you can set the Network Type to either Public or Private under “Network Profile” section.
Windows 10 will setup the Network as either Private or Public Network, depending on your selection.