How to Change a Windows Computer Network Adapter from Public to Private using Settings App or PowerShell Command Line

When setting up a Windows 11 computer, the network profile is an essential setting that determines how your device interacts with other devices on the network.

If you have issues scanning with your scanner or connecting to server or network resources while your network adapter is set to PUBLIC you will often have issues because only PRIVATE networks allow you to communicate with other network devices.

Windows automatically assigns a network as either “Public” or “Private” based on the connection type. However, there are times when you may need to change this setting manually. This guide will walk you through the steps to change a Windows network adapter from Public to Private.

Why Change a Network from Public to Private?

By default, Windows 10 assigns new networks as Public to enhance security. This setting restricts network discovery and sharing, making it safer for use in public places like coffee shops and airports. However, if you’re on a trusted home or office network, you might want to change the network profile to Private to enable file sharing and device discovery.

Method 1 to Change Network Adapter Privacy, use the Settings App

1. Click on the Start Menu, then select Settings (or press Win + I).
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Depending on your connection type:
   • If you’re using Wi-Fi, click on Wi-Fi, then select your connected network.
   • If you’re using Ethernet, click on Ethernet, then select your connected network.
4. Under Network profile, select Private.

Method 2 to Change Network Settings, use the Windows Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel (Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter).
2. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
3. Find your active network connection and click on it.
4. In the new window, click on Properties.
5. Under the Network Profile section, select Private.

Method 3 to Change Network From Private to Public is to use PowerShell Commands

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
3. Get-NetConnectionProfile
4. This command will display the current network profiles and their settings.
5. To change it to Private, type the following command:
6. Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "NetworkName" -NetworkCategory Private
7. (Replace “NetworkName” with your actual network name.)
8. Press Enter, and your network will be set to Private.