Windows gives users the option to select a network type when a new network is connected to the computer. Windows will set Windows Firewall rules according to the network type selected. Let’s first learn more about each network type.
Network Types
Public Network
A public network is the default network type. If no network type is selected, Windows will configure Windows Firewall using the public network type rules. In a public network, Windows Firewall rules will be the most restrictive. The firewall will block most apps from connecting from the Internet and disable some features like file and printer sharing, network discovery, automatic setup of network devices, etc. In Windows, you can change the Network Type by navigating to Settings > Network & Internet and clicking on the Properties button for your active network. You can set the network type from Public, Private, or Domain under the Network Profile section of the next screen. You should use this type of network when you have only one computer and do not want to communicate with any other network device.
Private Network
A private network can be a home network or a work network. This type of network will enable most networking features of Windows 10 like file sharing, network device setup, network discovery, etc. Use this network type if you trust the network you are connecting to.
Domain Network
The domain network is automatically detected when your computer is a member of an Active Directory (AD) domain network. Windows should automatically detect this type of network and configure Windows Firewall accordingly. This type of network gives more control to the network administrator and the admin can apply different network security configurations using Active Directory group policies. In this article, we will be more interested in changing the network type from public to private and vice versa as the domain network is automatically detected by Windows 10 and we don’t need to change anything.
What is the Current Network Type of Your Computer?
Before going through ways to change the network type in Windows 10, we need to see what is the current network type of the connected network. To check the current network type settings, follow the methods given below.
Check your current network type using Settings App
Perform the following steps to determine your current network type in Windows 10 from the Settings app: On the Properties page, you will see the current network profile that has been selected. You can also change your network profile from this location.Current network profile
Check your current network type from the Control Panel
Perform the given steps below to determine your current network type in Windows 10 from the Control Panel:
Change network types in Windows 10
Please note that although we have tested these methods to change network types in Windows 10 and Windows 11, they should work fine for Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
1- How to set Network Type Using Settings App
Perform the following steps to change your network profile using the Settings app:
2- How to set Network Type Using Windows Registry
If you are an advanced user and are comfortable with editing Windows Registry, this method will be easier for you to change the network type especially when you want it to be done on multiple PCs using just a single registry file. Misconfiguration of critical values in the system’s registry could be fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we insist that you create a system restore point before proceeding forward with the process.
3- How to change Network Type using Local Security Policy
Perform the following steps to change your network type using the Local Security Policy Management Console: If you want to do this for all the connected networks, you can double-click “All Networks” instead of your desired network (in step 3 above) and then perform the remaining steps.
4- How to set Network Type Using PowerShell
You can easily set the network type for Windows using the command line. Perform the following steps in Windows PowerShell to change your network’s type: This will change the network type immediately.
What Network Type Should I Set?
You are already aware of the different network types/profiles and which profile is suitable for different situations. If your PC is connected to an Active Directory, we suggest you configure it to Domain type. However, if you are on a public network that is free to use for everyone, we strongly recommend that you configure the network type to Public, as then the Firewall restricts unwanted traffic, making your system more secure. If you feel that you are secure on your home or work network, then it may be okay to set the type as Private. However, some users would prefer configuring them as Public too, just to be on the safe side. Also see:
How to Change Network and Network Adapter Names in Windows 113 Ways To Remove/Disable Microsoft Account In Windows 11/104 Ways To Disable User Account In Windows 116 Ways to Change Windows 11 User Account TypeHow to Disable Specific Driver Updates in Windows 11/10
