How to Change The Network Type From Public to Private in Windows 8/8.1

This process may be useful in situations where the network host is running Windows 8/8.1 and the workstations are unable to view the host on the network. A possible cause of this is the network type on the host machine being set to “Public.” Windows places strict restrictions on the file sharing abilities of machines that are on Public networks. This can cause the host machine not to show up for the workstations.
 
To confirm the network type on the host or main pc, navigate to the Control Panel and open the Network and Sharing Center.

If the network being used is set to Public network as shown above, proceed with the steps below. If the network is set to a different network type, stop here, and do not proceed with the steps below.

Windows 8.1
 Follow the steps below to change the network type from Public to Private in Windows 8.1:

  1. From the Charms bar, click on Change PC Settings (you may need to hover the mouse cursor over the bottom right area of the Charms bar in order for this option to appear). The PC Settings screen will open.

  1. To the left under PC Settings, click on Network. A list of network connections will be displayed to the right.
 
 
  1. From this list, click on the network connection. A network properties screen will open. 

  1. At the top of the network properties screen, turn on the Find devices and content option. This option is automatically turned off for public networks. When this is turned on, it will change the network type to private.

Windows 8

  1. From the Charms bar, click on Settings (you may need to hover the mouse cursor over the bottom right area of the Charms bar in order for this option to appear). Then click on the Network icon, and the Networks screen will open. 

  1. Right click where it says Network and Connected, and select Turn sharing on or off. A question will be displayed. 

  1. Answer Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices. This will apply the correct settings to the network connection.

 
NOTE: The network may still be labeled as Public in the Network and Sharing Center; however, the correct settings will still have been applied if the steps above were followed.


Article ID: 379
Created: Wed, Sep 7, 2016
Last Updated: Tue, Oct 11, 2022

Online URL: //kb.erosupport.com/article-379.html