How to make your Wi-Fi public or private in Windows 10

When using Windows® 10, setting your Wi-Fi as public keeps it hidden from other devices on the network and cannot be used for printer and file sharing.  On the other hand, setting your Wi-Fi as private allows it to be used for printer and file sharing similar to a home or office setting.

This article will give you steps on making your Wi-Fi public or private.


To set a Wi-Fi to public or private when you first connect
To change a Wi-Fi to public or private

To set a Wi-Fi to public or private when you first connect

 
Step 1:
At the right side of the taskbar, click on the Wi-Fi User-added image icon.

Step 2:
Under the Wi-Fi you want to connect to, click Connect.

Step 3:
Enter the Wi-Fi password then click Next.

Step 4:
When asked if you want your computer to be visible to other devices on the network, do one of the following:

 
  • To set it as a private network where your computer will be visible to other devices on the network, choose Yes.
  • To set it as a public network where your computer won’t be visible to other devices on the network, choose No.
 
To change a Wi-Fi to public or private
 
Step 1:
At the right side of the taskbar, click on the Wi-Fi User-added image icon.

Step 2:
Under the name of the Wi-Fi you're connected to, select Properties.

Step 3:
Under Network profile, choose between Public or Private.

 
User-added image

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