When you first connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 11, it’s set as public by default. This is the recommended setting. However, you can set it as public or private depending on the network and what you want to do:
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Public network (Recommended). Use this for networks you connect to at home, work, or in a public place. You should use this in most cases. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network. Therefore, you can’t use your PC for file and printer sharing.
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Private network. Your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing. You should know and trust the people and devices on the network.
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Select Start , then type settings. Select Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
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On the Wi-Fi settings screen, select Manage known networks, and select the network you're connected to.
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On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Network profile type, select Public (Recommended) or Private.
When you first connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can set it as public or private—depending on the network and what you want to do:
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Private network. Use this for networks you trust, such as a network at home or work. When a network is set to private, your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing.
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Public network. Use this for networks you connect to when you’re out and about, such as a Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network, and you can’t use your PC for file and printer sharing.
After you connect to a network the first time, you can change it to public or private at any time.
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On the right side of the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi network icon.
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Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to, then select Connect.
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Type the network password, and then select Next.
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When asked if you want your PC to be discoverable to other devices on the network, do one of the following:
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To set it as a private network where your PC will be discoverable to other devices on the network, choose Yes.
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To set it as a public network where your PC won’t be discoverable to other devices on the network, choose No.
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On the right side of the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi network icon.
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Under the name of the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to, select Properties.
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Under Network profile, select Public or Private.
Note: To use these steps to set a network to public or private, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version 1709 or later. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select Start , then select Settings > System > About .
