Ever found yourself with a Windows system that won't let you print, browse the local network, or accept Remote Desktop connections? If you're on a public connection such as an airport or hotel WiFi, this expected behavior is good. But even if you're at home, Windows sometimes mysteriously winds up with this Public network type. Network Location Awareness gone wrong. You'll need to manually change to Private
No single fix works for everybody, with several fix methods listed in this article. Many were improved by some helpful commenters below. The most successful & common fix is shown first, taking under 30 seconds. Article and videos created on my Windows 10 Pro SuperServer Workstation.
No single fix works for everybody, with several fix methods listed in this article. Many were improved by some helpful commenters below. The most successful & common fix is shown first, taking under 30 seconds. Article and videos created on my Windows 10 Pro SuperServer Workstation.
Table of Contents - 4 Methods
- HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Video)
HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Screenshots) - Find devices and content toggle - WiFi (Video)
Find devices and content toggle - Wired (Video) - HomeGroup Troubleshooter (Video)
- Run gpedit.msc - requires admin rights (Video)
Change from Public Network to Private Network (Windows 10)
1. HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Video)
30 second video loop demonstrates every step. Mouse-over to reveal playback controls. Applicable to all recent releases of Windows 10, including Summer 2015's Build 10240, and Fall 2015's Build 10586.
1. HomeGroup Control Panel - easiest fix that works for most (Screenshots)
[1] Click on the bottom left Windows icon known as the Start menu
[2] Just start typing homegroup, then select "HomeGroup" from the search results
[3] Select "Change network location"
[4] Select Discoverable "Yes"
[5] Right-click WiFi or Wired network icon in system tray
[6] Select "Open Network and Sharing Center"
[7] Verify network shows as "Private network" then close the window. You're done!
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