Network Profile: Learn how to protect your PC in 3 key steps 🚀🌐
A network profile is a part of Windows that determines how your PC interacts with other devices on a network. When you connect to a network, Windows asks if your PC should be visible to other devices on the network. 🌐
This question asks you to choose between Public Networks and Private NetworksWhether you connect to a wireless or wired network, Windows will ask you what type of network and settings you want to use.
Private and Public Network Profiles
Generally, there are two types of networks: Private and Public. When you set a network profile to Public, your device won't be visible to other devices on the same network. This means other devices won't be able to access your files, printers, etc. 🔒
On the other hand, when you set a network profile to Private, your device will be discoverable on networks, meaning other devices can access your files, printers, and more. 📂
Both network profiles use different firewall settings. You can also customize these two profiles using third-party firewall applications in Windows.
1. Change the network profile type using Settings
Now that you know both profiles, you might want to change your network profile in Windows 11. Here's how to do it. 👇
1. Click on the start menu Windows 11 and select Configuration.
2. On the Settings page, click the option Network and Internet, as shown below.
3. In the right pane, click the network. For example, I'm connected to a wired network; therefore, I should click the option Ethernet.
4. Under Network Profile Type, select either 'Public' or 'Private'.
5. If you want to change the network profile for a wireless connection, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
6. Within WiFi, click on Manage known networks and select the active wireless connection.
7. On the next screen, select a Public or Private Network Profile.
2. Change the network type using Registry Editor
The Windows Registry app can also be used to change the network profile type. Here's how. 🔧
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. When the dialog box opens, type regedit and press Enter.
2. This will open the Registry Editor. Now navigate to this path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles
3. Inside the Profiles folder, you will find several network profile foldersYou'll need to click on each one and locate the network profile you want to modify.
4. You can select each profile and see the value Profile Name on the right side. This will display the network name of the selected profile.
5. Once you find the network profile, double-click the Category DWORD value. In the Value field, enter one of the following:
- Public Networks: 0
- Private Networks: 1
- Domain Networks: 2
Let's say you want to change the network profile to private; enter 1 in the value field and click OK. After making the changes, restart your Windows computer.
3. Change the network profile type using the Local Security Policy
You can also use the editor Local Security Policies To change the network profile type, here's what you need to do. ⚙️
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type secpol.msc and press Enter.
2. On the right side, select the Network List Manager PoliciesOn the left side, you'll see all available networks.
3. Double-click on the grid of which you want to change the type.
4. Now switch to the Network Location tab and change the location type to Private or Public.
After making the changes, click the Apply button and close the Local Security Policy Editor. Then, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Changing network profiles is pretty simple in Windows 11; follow our steps. I hope this article was helpful! Don't forget to share it with your friends. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below. 😊
