How to Change Network Type to Private or Public in Windows 11

Want enhanced security and privacy? Switch out your network profiles

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Setting up a wireless network is common and quite easy. However, choosing or changing the network type can be confusing, especially if you don’t know the repercussions.

If you’re looking for advice on changing the network type from public to private or vice versa in Windows 11, read on for some useful information.

Windows 11 comes with several network profiles, which are essentially sets of settings that can be used to configure various network connections.

This is useful if you have multiple connections at home or in the office, so you don’t have to go through all the settings whenever you connect to a new network.

Private and public network profiles are the two common types in Windows 11, but generally, there are three:

Now that you know the different scenarios where you’d apply these networks, let’s highlight a few differences

Network profiles are a powerful tool as they can be used to control the behavior of Windows computers in your network as they move from one environment to another.

Equipped with this information on the different types of network profiles, if you ever need to change it, below is how to tweak your Windows 11 network settings.

How can I change my network profile in Windows 11?

1. By using the Settings app

In some instances, you may find that thenetwork profile type is missing. This is most likely a case of outdated drivers, so a quick driver update should resolve this issue.

2. By using the PowerShell command line

3. By using the Registry Editor

Remember editing the registry can be catastrophic if anything goes wrong, so ensure you back up orcreate a restore pointprior to making any changes.

4. Use the Local Security Policy

It is important to note that this solution may be limited as the Local Security Policy is not available in all Windows versions. However, you’re safe if you’re using the Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Some users complained that they encountered network issues after changing their current network type.Windows cannot connect to this networkwas the most common, so if you’re in the same predicament, check out our expert article on resolving this issue.

Hopefully, now you better understand how and when to change your network profile in Windows 11 to either public or private. To learn more about your network connection, we advise you tocheck network connection detailsfor more information.

Let us know what network profile you use, in what setting, and why it’s your choice.

How to Change Network Type to Private or Public in Windows 11#

How can I change my network profile in Windows 11?#

1. By using the Settings app#

2. By using the PowerShell command line#

3. By using the Registry Editor#

4. Use the Local Security Policy#