How to change the Windows 8.1 network type from Public to Private

Connectivity

Most people don't know that the public setting for your Windows network has severe consequences for your reachability and connectivity in your local network. When public, your Windows computer behaves exactly like you’re on a public connection, like at an airport or hotel Wi-Fi. While this is a welcome feature when you're at these places, it prevents your computer from any communication with other devices in your local network which is not helpful if you are trying to transfer some photos between your mobile and your computer for example. The following steps show you how to change your network type from "Public" to "Private" on Windows 8.1:

Go to the Desktop and right-click on the Network icon

Figure 1. Network icon
Left-click Open Network and Sharing Center

Figure 2. Open Network and Sharing Center
Check if Network and Sharing Center shows your Network as a Public network when you're at home

Figure 3. Check network type
Move your cursor to the bottom right corner to open the Charms

Figure 4. Open Charms
Click on the Settings icon

Figure 5. Settings icon
Choose Change PC settings

Figure 6. Change PC settings
Choose Network

Figure 7. PC settings
Under connections left-click on your Network icon. The name may be different on your machine.

Figure 8. Click on your network connection
Turn on the Find devices and content switch.

Figure 9. Find devices and content
Now you're done and you can verify your changes. Change to the Desktop by pressing Win+D and right-click on the Network icon.

Figure 10. Network icon
Left-click Open Network and Sharing Center.

Figure 11. Open Network and Sharing Center
Your network connection should now correctly show a Private network connection in the Network and Sharing Center

Figure 12. Network and Sharing Center