How to change network profile type on Windows 11

To change the network profile on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet, click on “Ethernet,” and choose the profile type (Public or Private). If the device has a wireless connection, then open Settings > Network & internet, click on “Wi-Fi,” click on “Manage known networks,” and choose the profile type.
Alternatively, you can also change the Windows 11 network profile type using PowerShell commands or editing the Registry.

On Windows 11, you can set different network profile types with specific settings to improve security or share files, printers, and other resources in the network.

The system includes three network profiles, Private, Public, and Domain. The “Private” and “Public” are available for all computers, and the “Domain” is only available when a device is joined to the domain.

The Private profile is tailored for trusted networks like your home or work. This profile makes the computer discoverable, allowing you to share files, printers, and other resources with people you trust.

The Public profile makes the device invisible in the local network. This option is recommended for most locations, including public places, workplaces, and homes (unless you share resources).

The Domain profile will be set automatically when the computer joins an Active Directory domain.

In this guide, you will learn the different ways to change the network profile type on Windows 11.

Change network from public or private on Windows 11
Change network from public or private from PowerShell
Change network from public or private from Registry

Change network from public to private on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can change the network profile type, but the instructions will be slightly different depending on whether you use an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network adapter.

Change network profile type for Ethernet connection

To change the Windows 11 network profile type, use these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Network & internet.
Click the Ethernet page on the right side.
Under the “Network profile type” section, select the profile type:
- Public: Your device is not discoverable in the local network. You should use this option in most locations like home, work, or public places.
- Private: Your device is discoverable in the local network. You would use this option to share files or other resources like printers over a trusted local area network.

Change network profile type for Wi-Fi connection

To change the network profile type for a wireless connection, use these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Network & internet.
Click the Wi-Fi page on the right side.
Click the Manage known networks setting.
Click the active wireless connection.
Under the “Network profile type” section, select the profile type, including Public or Private.

Once you complete the steps, the connection will apply your selected profile type.

You must note that you can only change profile type per network. If you have an Ethernet and Wi-Fi connection connected to the same network, the new setting will not apply to all network adapters when changing the profile type.

Change network from public to private from PowerShell

To make a network private or public using PowerShell, use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to determine the current network profile and press Enter:
```
Get-NetConnefctionProfile
```
Confirm the network’s profile type in the NetworkCategory field (InterfaceAlias).
Type the following command to change the network profile type on Windows 11 and press Enter:
```
Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "NETWORK-NAME" -NetworkCategory TYPE
```
For example, this command sets the profile type to Private:
```
Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name "tsunami" -NetworkCategory Private
```
In the command, replace “NETWORK-NAME” with the connection name and “TYPE” with the network profile type, including Public or Private. The command also takes the “DomainAuthenticated” type on a domain-joined computer.

After you complete the steps, the settings will apply immediately to the connection and firewall settings.

Change network from public to private from Registry

Alternatively, setting the default network profile type through the Registry is possible. However, using this option is not recommended unless you can identify the connection in the Registry.

Warning: Changing system settings can further damage your Windows installation if done incorrectly. It’s assumed that you know what you’re doing and have previously created a full computer backup. Proceed with caution and use this as the last course of action.

To change the network profile type on Windows 11 using the Registry, use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

Browse to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

Select the subkeys and confirm the ProfileName to identify the network connection.
Double-click the Category DWORD.
Change the to 0 to change the network type to Public, 1 for Private, or 2 for Domain.
Click the OK button.
Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will start using the selected network profile.